What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, commonly referred to as ear aesthetics, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the ears for a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. This surgery is especially beneficial for those who are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or prominence of their ears.

Who Can Benefit from Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is suitable for anyone who wishes to improve the appearance of their ears, including individuals with conditions such as ear prominence (often due to the absence or weakness of the antihelix or cavum concha hypertrophy). The procedure is particularly important for children, as prominent ears can negatively impact their psychological well-being due to teasing or negative comments at school. The ideal age for children to undergo otoplasty is around five years old.

How is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?

Prominent ear surgery, a type of otoplasty, is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear, allowing the surgeon to reshape the cartilage to achieve the desired aesthetic result. In some cases, cartilage may need to be excised. Once the ear has been reshaped, the incision is closed with sutures, leaving a faint scar that is not easily noticeable.

Post-Surgery Care and Considerations

After otoplasty, specific post-operative care is crucial to ensure proper healing and optimal results:

• Dressing: The day after surgery, the dressing is changed, and a hairband that doesn’t compress the ear too tightly is applied. This headband should be worn regularly for about three weeks to maintain the new ear shape and support the healing cartilage.
• Healing Process: During the three-week post-op period, the cartilage will harden and heal in its new position. The headband also helps reduce swelling (edema) and prevents the ears from rubbing against the pillow during sleep, which could strain the sutures.
• Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness in the ear for a few weeks after surgery. It’s important to avoid activities that might disrupt the healing process, such as using a hairdryer.

Risks and Complications of Prominent Ear Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty comes with certain risks, though they are generally low when proper care is taken:

• Infection: To minimize the risk of infection, dressings should be applied in a sterile environment.
• Suture and Deformation Issues: Using high-quality sutures and careful surgical techniques reduces the chances of the sutures coming undone or causing deformation.
• Hematoma: Proper bleeding control during surgery and careful postoperative dressing can prevent hematoma (blood accumulation).

Recovery and Return to Daily Activities

Patients are usually able to return to their daily routine about ten days after surgery. However, it's recommended to continue using an elastic headband while sleeping to protect the ears and support the healing process.