Introduction:
Cosmetic ear surgery or otoplasty is a surgical procedure performed in individuals who are bothered about the appearance of their ears. A defect in the ears can be present at birth or may be acquired during later developmental stages. Otoplasty is most commonly preferred after five years of age. The procedure creates a more natural shape of the ears.
What Are the Other Names for Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
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Otoplasty.
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Pinnaplasty.
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Ear reshaping.
Why Is Ear Surgery Indicated?
Cosmetic ear surgery is indicated in the following conditions.
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Macrotia or extremely large ears.
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Protrusion of the ears on one or both sides without the association of hearing loss.
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Dissatisfaction after the previous surgery.
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Surgery on both sides is indicated to correct issues with asymmetry.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
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Candidates without a life-threatening illness.
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Candidates without chronic ear infections.
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Children of age five years and above.
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Cooperative children.
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Candidates with no medical illness that impair hearing.
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Adults who do not smoke.
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Adults with realistic expectations.
How to Prepare Before Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
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Choosing the best cosmetic surgeon is the first step in any cosmetic surgery. And during the first visit, the surgeon will take a complete medical history of the individual. In addition, the current and past medical illnesses, especially those related to ears, and if the individual is under any medications or has undergone surgery before will be recorded.
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The history of habits such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs consumption is also recorded.
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The surgeon physically examines the ears to determine their shape, size, symmetry, and position.
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The photographs of the ears are taken before the surgery to assess the outcome after the surgery.
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The cosmetic surgeon discusses with the patient their views and expectations of the surgery and will clearly explain the cosmetic procedure's benefits, risks, and results.
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When the individual is eligible for the surgery, further steps can be taken to prepare for the procedure. They include:
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Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements should be avoided to prevent the risk of bleeding.
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The healing of the skin will be affected if the individual smokes. So smoking habit have to be avoided.
What Can Be Expected Before the Procedure?
Cosmetic ear surgery or otoplasty is performed in a hospital with all surgical facilities. The procedure requires sedation with local or general anesthesia with proper precautionary measures.
What Can Be Expected During the Procedure?
The technique acquired for the procedure depends on the correction needed, which takes around two to three hours. The method selected by the surgeon determines the location and extent of the incision. The incisions can be placed at the back of the ears or within the inner creases. Then the excess cartilage and skin are removed, and the ear is appropriately secured and stitched. Additional stitches are then placed to close the incision.
In some instances, an incision-less surgery can be performed, where a needle is placed into the cartilage to increase flexibility, and stitches are placed to fix the ear.
What Can Be Expected After the Procedure?
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Once the surgical procedure is complete, bandages are placed over the ears for protection and support. The individual might feel discomfort and itching after the procedure. If the pain and discomfort persist, the individual might take medications under a doctor’s prescription.
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The individual is advised not to sleep on the side of the surgery and not to rub the area to avoid pressure and discomfort over the area.
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The individual is advised to wear a shirt with loose-fitting collars.
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After a few days, the bandages are removed. The ears appear to be swollen and red. And a loose headband is worn to cover the ears, which will help the individual from pulling the ears.
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If stitches are removed accidentally, the individual should report immediately to the surgeon.
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Before resuming daily activities, the individual should get advice from the surgeon.
How Are the Results After the Procedure?
After complete recovery from the surgery, the individual can notice an immediate change in the appearance of the ears. The changes are permanent, and if the individual is unsatisfied with the outcome, the surgeon will guide them in revising the procedure.
What Are the Risks of Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
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Like any other surgery, cosmetic ear surgery can also lead to complications such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
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The incision given during the procedure may result in scars behind the ears.
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The surgery can cause a few weeks of soreness, tenderness, or numbness in that area.
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There can be slight bruising around the ears for about two weeks.
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The ears may be stiff after the surgery and may take several months to become flexible again.
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Cosmetic ear surgery may not successfully correct asymmetry due to changes occurring during healing.
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Temporary loss of sensation is felt after the repositioning of the ears.
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The materials used during the surgery may be allergic to the individual.
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The stitches used to secure the ears to a new shape and position might lead to skin inflammation, requiring additional surgery.
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In some cases, the surgery can be pinning the back of the ear affecting its natural contours.
Is Treatment Always Necessary?
Treating ear defects is not always necessary. The irregularities can sometimes be resolved without intervention. If a treatment option is chosen, it should be carried out only after five years of age, when 90 percent of the growth of the ear is complete. A non-surgical option such as ear molding or splinting can be recommended if the child is to be treated in the first two to three weeks of birth.
Conclusion:
People can undergo cosmetic ear surgery for many reasons. They can be the correction of shape, size, symmetry, or position of the ears. However, there are different approaches to correcting these flaws, and a certified plastic surgeon must be approached for a successful outcome.
