Are you a little sad or worried about the shape of your ears? Maybe you think your ears are a little too big. Or maybe they look like they are sticking out from your head. Especially when you are in school, you may even get teased by your friends for these things. Sometimes these things can also have a big impact on your self-confidence. So today we are talking about a surgery called Otoplasty that can be done as a permanent solution to this problem.
What is Otoplasty?
Simply put, Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the shape or position of the ear. It involves reshaping the cartilage in your ear to give it a more natural appearance. Remember, some people are born with certain ear abnormalities. Other times, the ear may be damaged by a car accident, an animal bite, or a sports injury. Otoplasty surgery can be helpful in both of these situations.
The most important thing is that this surgery will change your appearance, but it will not affect your hearing . It will neither increase nor decrease your hearing ability.
This surgery is usually performed on children over the age of 4, because by that age, the ear is mostly fully developed. However, it can be performed on adults of any age. For example, it is used to correct the "cauliflower ear" condition that occurs in boxers.
Main types of otoplasty surgery
There are different types of Otoplasty surgery depending on your needs. Let's take a look at the three main types.
| Type of Surgery | What does this do? (What it does) |
|---|---|
| Ear Augmentation | This is done for ears that are very small (microtia) or have not developed properly. This involves taking tissue from another part of the body to enlarge the outer part of the ear. |
| Ear Pinning | This is the type that most people do. If the ears are far from the head and sticking out, this is where you pin the ears back to the head and attach them inward (pin a_item). |
| Ear Reduction | This is done for people with ears that are larger than normal (macrotia). Here, unnecessary tissue is removed from the ear to make it smaller. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Before surgery, your doctor will give you a clear set of instructions about what to do. But in general, you should be careful about these things.
- Bring someone you trust: Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to and from surgery, as you will not be able to drive due to the anesthesia.
- Stop taking certain medications: Painkillers, especially NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), are often recommended to be stopped a few days before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid smoking: If you are a smoker, you should completely avoid it for a while before and after surgery. Smoking greatly interferes with the healing process.
How is the surgery performed?
An anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain during the surgery. This is often done under general anesthesia. For some adults, this can be done under local anesthesia with sedation, which involves giving a sedative injection.
Although the steps of the surgery vary slightly depending on the type you have, these are the general steps that occur:
- A small incision is usually made behind the ear or between the folds of the ear so that it is not visible.
- The ear cartilage is then reshaped , removing unwanted parts or adding tissue if necessary.
- Finally, the incision is closed using a type of dissolvable suture.
The entire procedure usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. Most of the time, this is an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same evening.
What happens after surgery?
After the surgery, the doctor will put a large bandage (dressing) over your ears. It is very important to keep this bandage clean and dry . Your doctor will tell you how to care for it.
Remember these things during your recovery:
- Don't touch your ears: Touching your ears frequently increases the chance of the wound becoming infected.
- Be careful with your clothes: Instead of wearing T-shirts that are pulled over your head, wear button-up shirts. This way, your clothes won't rub against your ears.
- Be careful when sleeping: Sleep on your side. Don't sleep in a position where there is pressure on either side of your ears.
Are there risks and complications?
As with any surgery, there are very small risks. However, complications are very rare . Here are some of the things that can happen.
| Risk/Complication | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
| Auricular hematoma | Blood accumulation around the ear cartilage. |
| Asymmetrical results | The appearance of both ears is not the same. |
| Perichondritis | Infection of the ear cartilage. |
| Numbness | Loss of sensation in the ear. This is often temporary. |
| Scarring | Scarring from the incision. This is not a big problem since the incision is usually made in an inconspicuous place. |
How long does it take to heal?
It can take up to 8 weeks to fully heal. However, you should see a significant difference in your appearance within 2-3 weeks . Keep in mind that healing time varies from person to person.
You will be asked to come back for a follow-up visit about a week after surgery. That's when your bandage will be removed. You may be asked to come back for another two visits after that.
Most people can return to work in about a week. Children can go to school, but they are told to avoid running around and playing sports for a few weeks.
When you need to talk to the doctor
If you see something like this after surgery, don't assume it's normal. You should talk to your doctor immediately .
- Fever
- An accident at the surgical site
- Excessive bleeding
- Increased swelling around the wound
Changes in the shape of the ears can cause social anxiety and fear in people of any age. You may be a parent concerned about the appearance of your child's ears, or you may be unhappy with your own appearance. Otoplasty is a good solution for this. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, size, or position of the ear, not something that improves hearing.
- This is a safe surgery that can be performed on children over 4 years of age as well as adults.
- The results of surgery are permanent, and it can also greatly boost your self-confidence.
- It is essential for a speedy recovery to follow the doctor's instructions carefully, both before and after surgery.
- It is important to consult with a qualified doctor to determine if this surgery is right for you or your child.
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