What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty or ear surgery is a surgical procedure that helps change the shape of the ears and the position of the auricles. It is performed for both medical and aesthetic reasons. The congenital shape of the ears is not always proportional and harmonious. As a result, there is dissatisfaction with appearance, complexes, and attempts to hide the ears under hair. The shape of the ears also requires correction after serious injuries that deform the auricle. In all these cases, plastic surgery can help.
I am a practicing plastic surgeon, Iryna Pradosh. Today, I will tell you more about who needs otoplasty, how the surgery is performed, and what results can be achieved.
Who needs surgery?
Ear surgery can be reconstructive or cosmetic. In the first case, it involves the complete or partial restoration of the auricle, which was damaged due to trauma. This includes cases of congenital pathology when the auricle is deformed, completely or partially absent. Cosmetic otoplasty is aimed at improving the shape of the ear.
Thus, otoplasty is necessary for:
- Disproportionately large or small auricle;
- Protruding ears;
- Shell-shaped ear;
- Scars on the auricle;
- Torn earlobe;
- Absence or underdevelopment of the auricle.
The result of such surgery will be a harmonious shape of the auricle. After the intervention, there will be a small scar behind the ear, which no one will notice with the naked eye. The surgery itself will be painless, and the recovery procedure will not disrupt your usual rhythm of life.
How is the surgery performed?
If you want to remove protruding ears or correct another defect, do not be afraid to contact a plastic surgeon. This is a standard, widespread, and in-demand procedure in the field of aesthetic medicine. And such an intervention will not affect hearing in any way. You will hear sounds just as well. However, there may be some improvement in hearing in cases where the auricle was absent, poorly developed, or had severe defects.
Stages of the surgery:
- Choice of anesthesia type – general or local anesthesia. This depends on the complexity of the intervention and the patient's wishes.
- An incision of 3-4 cm is made in the area of the back surface of the ear.
- Excess cartilage or skin is removed, and the ear is given the desired shape.
- The scar is hidden in the postauricular fold, where it is completely invisible. You can wear any hairstyle, including a short haircut or a high ponytail.
This way, protruding ears and other defects can be corrected. As for earlobe correction, such surgery is performed under local anesthesia. It takes only 15 to 30 minutes to restore the integrity of this area, reduce them, or remove seals. Six months after the correction, you can wear earrings again after piercing. The earlobes will look natural, and no one will notice any traces of surgical intervention.
Once everything has healed and the bandage is removed, no one will notice that you ever had surgery to correct the shape of the auricle. No ugly scars or marks will be visible. And the result will transform your appearance, instilling confidence in yourself!
A self-dissolving thread is used to stitch the incision, so no suture removal procedure is needed. A few days after the procedure, there will be slight swelling in the ear area. It can be reduced by applying ice. If you experience painful sensations, a pain reliever, which you should ask your doctor about, will help.