Ears Surgery (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty or cosmetic surgery of the ears is surgery in which the size or position of the ears is modified. Through otoplasty the following problems can be corrected:
- Prominent ears. The ears are repositioned to a more natural position.
- Large ears. The size of the ears is reduced.
Other problems of the ears that are corrected with surgery are the following:
- Microtia or anotia. The surgeon creates a new ear when it is born without it, or when it is lost due to some traumatism.
- Correction of constricted ear and satyr ear.
- Correction of elongated lobes and torn lobes.
The otoplasty can be performed both children and adults, usually undergo this type of surgery to children, when they are between six and fourteen years of age because at six years have already developed the ears almost completely. It is advisable to perform this surgery from a young age to avoid social problems and self-esteem in the future.
It is important that if you or your child is considering otoplasty consult your plastic surgeon to clarify any doubt about the results you expect to obtain, as well as other important information such as when indicated or what is the procedure to follow, that this depends on each specific situation and the preferences of the surgeon.
Am I a candidate for an otoplasty?
When a person is going to undergo a cosmetic surgery it must be by their own decision or conviction. If you want to get an improvement in the size or position of your ears with respect to your face, is a good candidate. Take into account that a cosmetic surgery improves the appearance, but does not pretend to achieve absolute perfection or an exact symmetry that could seem unnatural
If the parents wish their child to undergo otoplasty they are recommended to observe the child's behavior in relation to the position or size of their ears, the child should not be submitted to surgery if he or she does not want it. If the child is not comfortable with his ears and wants to undergo the operation, he will cooperate better during the whole process and in the end he will improve his self-esteem, since he will feel more happy with the result.
The first consultation
The first step of the procedure is an evaluation of the problem, once your case is analyzed, Dr. Omar Candelas and / or Dr. Jesus Chung will recommend the most appropriate technique for your situation, as well as give you specific instructions to prepare for Surgery. It is normal for patients to be uncertain about the results of otoplasty, but if they consult with the plastic surgeon and objectively expose their expectations, the results will be very satisfactory.
Anesthesia
For young children, the plastic surgeon will recommend general anesthesia. With this method, the patient remains asleep throughout the operation.
For older children or adults, the surgeon may use local anesthesia with or without sedation, so that he is awake and relaxed during surgery.
Where should an ear surgery be performed?
Otoplasty is an aesthetic surgery that must be performed in an operating room or office, depending on the anesthesia used and the patient's situation. Whether in the operating room or in the office, the operation must be performed in a place that has the necessary tools for this type of operation, and must be carried out by qualified personnel to perform plastic surgeries of this type. Generally this surgery is ambulatory, so it is not necessary for the patient to be admitted one night before surgery.
Generally, a surgery of ears lasts between one and two hours, although in more complex cases the operation can take a little longer. The technique to be used depends on the particular case of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon.
An incision is usually made in the back of the ear to expose the atrial cartilage, then the cartilage is sculpted giving it a more adequate shape and bending it backwards, causing it to fold at the sites. To maintain the new shape, the surgeon can use internal points. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove part of the cartilage to obtain a more natural ear. Finally, a wedge of skin is removed from the back of the ear. Even when the patient appears to have only one abnormal ear, the surgeon may intervene the two ears to achieve a better symmetry.
After the surgery
At the end of the surgery, a bandage is placed around the head; a few hours after surgery, the patient, adult or child is already generally well, although it is recommended that he not be discharged until the effects of general anesthesia have completely disappeared.
During the following days, there may be some pain in the ears, but it can be treated with medication. A week later, the stitches are removed and the bandage is changed to a lighter one that helps to mold the ears so that they remain in the intended place.
It is important to follow the instructions given by your plastic surgeon about the bandage, especially at night while the patient is asleep. During the first month, avoid activities in which the ears can bend, such as playing ball sports, rough exercises, swimming, etc.
The adult can return to their daily activities in five days, and the children can return to school in a week, always being careful with physical activities.
What are the risks of otoplasty?
All surgeries can present complications, however in an otoplasty the risks are minor and very infrequent, as long as they are performed by a qualified plastic surgeon to perform this type of procedure, and as long as they have the necessary equipment. Some patients may develop a hematoma, which disappears alone or with the help of a drain. Occasionally, an infection can develop in the cartilage that increases the scar tissue of the ear, this can be treated with antibiotics, although in rare cases it may require surgical drainage.