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Otoplasty Cosmetic Ear Surgery
The shape of the head should be complimented by that of the ear. The cosmetic sculpturing of the ears is called as Otoplasty. Protruding ears or deformed ears can be reshaped by this treatment. It reduces the size of large ears or sets prominent ears closer to the head. Mostly the surgery is performed on children between the age of four and fourteen as the ears are almost fully grown by this time. Ear deformities may include the size of the cup, the angle of the ear cartilage fold, an enlarged ear lobe or a combination of the above. During the surgery, a cut is made at the back of the ear by the surgeon. He removes the skin to see the ear cartilage. By folding the cartilage and making stitches, the ear is reshaped. New ears can be built by the surgeon for a person who has lost an ear in an injury or is born without ears.
Advantages:
It is rewarding to look normal and be accepted as a person, especially among children. Name-calling and embarrassing situations can be avoided. Deformities are partially or completely removed and proportions too can be treated with Otoplasty. Having set realistic goals the surgery usually meets your expectations.
Risks involved:
As with all operations, specific complications and risks are associated with this surgery.
- A blood clot (hematoma) on the ear may develop in some patients. A needle can be used to draw it out or it may dissolve naturally.
- In some patients, scar tissues may be formed due to an infection in the cartilage. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.
- A possibility of asymmetry or uneven results is also there. The deformity may recur.
- If the ear occasionally sticks out again, a second operation may be required.
Planning the surgery:
Deformed ears can be a source of embarrassment especially for children. Hence, most surgeons don’t insist on the surgery until the child is prepared to have one. Children who feel uncomfortable about the shape of their ears are most enthusiastic about the surgery and are also very co-operative. In case of severe disfigurement, the parent should opt for the surgery early to avoid emotional stress for the child. A clear understanding of your expectations and the features that you find objectionable must be communicated with your surgeon.
Initially the surgeon evaluates the condition of the ears and gives the necessary instructions to prepare for the surgery. Expectations must be discussed with your surgeon to get pleasing results.
Prognosis:
- After the surgery a bulky bandage is used to cover the ears.
- Medication controls any sort of discomfort or tenderness.
- To promote healing, a light head wrap may be needed for 2-3 weeks.
- Light scars may appear in the creases behind the ears. Unless you traumatize the ears there is no discomfort.
- Medication can manage the soring, throbbing, and aching that usually occur.
Improvement and not perfection is the goal of the surgery!!