Otoplasty

EAR CORRECTION

Otoplasty surgery is performed for various congenital abnormalities of the cartilage part of the ear (enlarged auricle, increased angle between the auricle and the skull bones, enlarged or widened earlobes, or a combination of all of the above abnormalities).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE

Since children in particular are often teased by their peers due to a congenital abnormality – protruding ears – which can have psychosocial consequences for them, the surgery makes the most sense before the child starts school. At this age, the structures of the ear are already fully developed, so the surgery does not affect its development in any way. Correction of protruding ears can also be performed on older people.

There are a number of techniques that all have the common goal of creating symmetrical and properly shaped ears. This is achieved by reshaping the cartilage of the ear and the skin behind the ear under local anesthesia (in older children and adults) or general anesthesia in young children. First, the skin at the back of the ear is cut in a spindle-shaped manner to allow access to the cartilage of the ear. The surgeon then reshapes the cartilage with a special instrument. To hold the cartilage in its new shape and position, individual stitches are usually used that are hidden under the skin. The operation is completed by suturing the skin and occasionally special tampon stitches that serve as an external splint. After the procedure, there is minor pain, which is relieved in the first few days with mild painkillers. A compression bandage must be worn until all structures of the ear have fully healed.

BEFORE

AFTER

POST PROCEDURE CARE

After the procedure, the wounds will be sutured, you may have tampon sutures placed, and the necessary material and bandage will be placed over this.

After the procedure, a recovery period begins, which can be psychologically and physically demanding depending on the type of surgical treatment. When you return to your home environment, ensure that you have peace and quiet to rest. For another 6 hours after the procedure, avoid lying on a flat surface (propping your head), lifting heavy loads, and heavy physical activities. Be prepared to need some help with basic needs. It is expected that you will feel pain after the surgery, but the intensity and duration of the pain vary from person to person and depend on the surgical procedure, the patient’s anatomy, and their personality; the perception of pain is subjective and cannot be compared between patients. No severe pain is expected after this procedure; it usually subsides within a few days after the surgery.

After removal of the binding material: Once most of the binding material has been removed (usually at the first check-up after the procedure), start wearing the compression ear band. Wear it all the time for the first 2 weeks after the procedure, then only at night and during activities where you could injure your ears (e.g. sports) for another 4 weeks.

Until the wounds have healed: If you wear glasses, avoid them for 2-3 weeks after surgery, until the wounds have healed, or properly cushion them so that they do not put direct pressure on the operated area. During this time, you should also avoid getting the wounds wet; we recommend that someone help you wash your hair to avoid getting the operated area wet. This will provide the wounds with an optimal healing environment and prevent the risk of infection.

 

Frequently asked questions

Are there any complications?
They are associated with poor healing, scarring, under correction or over correction, displacement of cartilage-bone structures and consequent altered shape. If the skin is thick, the change in the shape of the cartilage part may be less noticeable, while with thin skin, minor cartilage protrusions and irregularities may be visible.

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