Otoplasty - A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

The ears are an essential part of the face. It is necessary for hearing and balancing the body. However, apart from these functions, it has an important role in facial appearance. Large-sized, prominent, or protruding ears can be unpleasant to some individuals, making the entire face look unaesthetic. Plastic surgery can correct the unaesthetic appearance of the ear and is referred to as otoplasty.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic or plastic surgery performed to modify the shape and size of the ear to make them look symmetrical and esthetic. Some individuals are born with protruding ears or any defect in ear shape. Otoplasty, also referred to as ear reshaping surgery, can correct all the deformities in ear shape.

The ears are a less prominent part of facial features. However, when it is situated too far from the head or has an abnormally large size, it becomes very prominent and looks malformed. Many individuals do not feel comfortable with this kind of appearance and feel embarrassed. As a result of this, they lack self-confidence. This surgery can do the esthetic corrections in the ear and hence can improve the patient's life.

What Can Otoplasty Do?

Otoplasty can treat the following conditions:

• Protruding ears that protrude more than 20 mm and are situated at an angle of more than 35° from the head.

• Unusually large-sized ears.

• Relieves psychological distress caused due to malformed ears.

• Failed previous ear surgery.

• Ears have shape deformity.

Who Can Undergo Otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have achieved their full size, generally after the age of five years up to adulthood. Therefore, it can be performed both for children and adults.

1. Children Undergoing this Surgery Should Fulfill the Following Criteria:

• Must be healthy and physically fit. Should not have any diseases related to the ear or an ear infection.

• Ears do not have bones but rather have cartilage which makes them movable. Stable cartilage is essential for this surgery. Therefore, the child should be five years old, and the cartilage should be stable for the changes that must be made in the ear during surgery.

• The child should be cooperative and capable of following instructions.

• The child should be able to speak for communication.

2. Adults Undergoing the Surgery Should fulfill the Following Criteria:

• The adults should not have any medical conditions or bleeding disorders.

• They should be physically and mentally fit.

• Should not have unrealistic expectations from the surgery.

• Should be a nonsmoker or ready to stop smoking before surgery because smoking impairs healing which can cause complications after surgery.

How Is Otoplasty Performed?

Otoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation to make the patient pain-free during the surgery. After achieving numbness, the surgeon creates a cut or incision in the back side of the ear to access the ear cartilage.

After that, the extra cartilage and skin might be removed, and the cartilage is reshaped by folding. It is then brought closer to the head to lessen the degree of the protruding ear. Finally, it is fixed with stitches once folded into the proper position. The incisions are then closed with additional stitches. This surgery takes around two hours.

What to Expect After the Otoplasty?

Immediately after the otoplasty, mild pain and a sensation of itching will be present. The treated ear will be covered with a bandage. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories will be given to the patient to reduce pain and swelling.

Patients will be instructed not to sleep on the sides as the pressure can build up on the treated ears. In addition, avoid touching or rubbing on the incisions. Clothing should be changed from t-shirts to shirts with open buttons to avoid touching and pulling the ear while changing clothes.

Bandages will get removed after a few days post-surgery. Swelling and redness will be present initially. Patients are instructed to wear a loose headband at night for a few weeks. Any heavy exercises or strenuous physical activity should be restricted for a few weeks. Stitches can be removed after a week, depending on the patient's condition. Children can resume school after a week but should take all the precautions instructed by the surgeon.

What Are the Complications of Otoplasty?

The complications of otoplasty are discussed below:

• As it is an aesthetic procedure, sometimes patients may be happy with the outcome of the surgery or not like the new look. Therefore, there is a high chance of patients dissatisfaction.

• Prolonged bleeding may occur.

• Risk of infection of skin or cartilage of the ear.

• Risk of developing a hematoma.

• May require a second surgery if results do not meet the expectations. Sometimes excessive tightening of the sutures or pressure from the bandage may cause cartilage necrosis (tissue death).

• Prolonged numbness of the ear can occur.

• There is a risk of scar or keloid formation.

• Pain can persist for a longer duration.

• Impaired wound healing.

• There are chances of narrowing of the external ear canal.

• Very rarely, protrusion of the ear can appear again and may require surgery to be repeated.

• Sometimes this surgery can result in asymmetrical ears too.

In addition, the surgeon should be informed immediately if persistent bleeding, severe pain, or any unusual symptoms occur.

When Is the Result of Otoplasty Visible?

The results can be seen after the removal of bandages, and they persist throughout life. This surgery makes permanent changes to the shape of the ears and makes them look aesthetically pleasing. The scar left by the surgery usually fades away after 18 months.

Conclusion:

Otoplasty surgery is very beneficial for those who have protruding ears and lack self-confidence because of that. Especially in the case of children who feel ashamed because they hear negative comments about their protruding ears from their classmates at school. However, as this is a surgical procedure, it possesses risks associated with surgeries. Apart from this, the results provided by this surgery are permanent and persist throughout life.