Otoplasty what is it ?

Otoplasty— also known as cosmetic ear surgery — is a procedure to change the shape, position or size of the ears.

You might choose to have otoplasty if you’re bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head. You might also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are misshapen due to an injury or birth defect.

Otoplasty can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size — usually after age 5 — through adulthood.

If a child is born with prominent ears and certain other ear-shape problems, splinting may successfully correct these issues if started immediately after birth.

You can read : Blepharoplasty what is it?

Why it’s done

You might consider otoplasty if:

• Your ear or ears stick out too far from your head
• Your ears are large in proportion to your head
• You’re dissatisfied with a previous ear surgery

Otoplasty is typically done on both ears to optimize symmetry.

Otoplasty won’t change the location of your ears or alter your ability to hear

Risks

Otoplasty, as with any other type of major surgery, has risks, including the risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Other risks associated with otoplasty include:

• Scarring. While scars are permanent, they’ll likely be hidden behind your ears or within the creases of your ears.
• Asymmetry in ear placement. This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process. Also, surgery might not successfully correct preexisting asymmetry.
• Changes in skin sensation. During otoplasty, the repositioning of your ears can temporarily affect skin sensation in the area. Rarely, changes are permanent.
• Allergic reaction. It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure.
• Problems with stitches. Stitches used to secure the ear’s new shape might work their way to the surface of the skin and need to be removed. This can cause inflammation of the affected skin. As a result, you might need additional surgery.
• Overcorrection. Otoplasty can create unnatural contours that make ears appear to be pinned back.

What you can expect

Before

Otoplasty can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility.

Sometimes the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only part of your body. In other cases, general anesthesia — which renders you unconscious — may be given before your procedure.

During

Otoplasty techniques vary based on what kind of correction is needed. The specific technique your plastic surgeon chooses will determine the location of the incisions and the resulting scars.

Your doctor might make incisions:

• On the backs of your ears
• Within the inner creases of your ears

After making incisions, your doctor might remove excess cartilage and skin. He or she will then fold the cartilage into the proper position and secure it with internal stitches. Additional stitches will be used to close the incisions.

The procedure typically takes about two hours.

After

After otoplasty, your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support.

You’ll likely feel some discomfort and itching. Take pain medication as recommended by your doctor. If you take pain medication and your discomfort increases, contact your doctor immediately.

To keep pressure off your ears, avoid sleeping on your side. Also try not to rub or place excessive force on the incisions. Consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loosefitting collars.

A few days after otoplasty, your doctor will remove your bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red. You may need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for a few weeks. This will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed.

Talk to your doctor about when — or if — your stitches will be removed. Some stitches dissolve on their own. Others must be removed in the doctor’s office in the weeks after the procedure.

Ask your doctor when it’s OK to resume daily activities, such as bathing and physical activity.

Results

After your bandages are removed, you’ll notice an immediate change in the appearance of your ears. These changes are permanent.

If you’re not satisfied with your results, check with your surgeon about the possibility of revision surgery.

You can  read :Blepharoplasty what is it?

 If you need to hire a medical tourism agency to benefit from successful cosmetic surgery, do not hesitate to contact us. We guarantee the highest quality of our services to ensure total satisfaction throughout your unforgettable experience. By choosing our medical tourism agency, you can trust our expertise and our commitment to your satisfaction.