Prominent ears can be especially troublesome for children and younger people who may be subject to bullying and otoplasty surgery is carried out more commonly during childhood, but it can be performed on a patient of any age if they have any issue with their ears.
There are three major types of otoplasty procedure, these are; ear augmentation which is required is the pinna is underdeveloped, otopexy (or pinning back the ears) which flattens out ears that protrude too far and ear reduction which is required when the ears are too large.
During an otoplasty procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision behind the ear where they will be able to manipulate the cartilage and tissue within the ear to give a new shape that is more symmetrical or proportionate to the rest of the head. There is a very small scar associated with this kind of procedure, but because it is found behind the ear it is kept out of view and will fade over time until it eventually becomes almost unnoticeable.
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Why choose otoplasty surgery?
People often choose otoplasty to correct issues such as misshapen ears or ear lobes, protruding ears, small or constricted ears, and ears with missing cartilage, which are often congenital conditions. Besides congenital conditions, otoplasty is also performed on individuals who have sustained ear injuries or trauma during accidents or other traumatic events, like dog bites or sports-related injuries. For instance, boxers, wrestlers, and mixed martial artists often suffer from a common ear injury known as cauliflower ear, and in such cases, otoplasty might be recommended.
How does otoplasty surgery work?
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, implying that patients can return home the same day. It begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the surgery. The specific surgical steps are contingent on the type of otoplasty being performed, but generally include making an incision (usually on the back of the ear or in the folds of the ear), adding or removing tissue, reshaping the ear, and closing the incision with stitches. The duration of the surgery ranges between one to three hours, depending on the individual’s specific situation.
What are the results like?
Following the surgery, a dressing is placed over the ears, which needs to be kept clean and dry. Patients are advised to avoid touching their ears, choose clothes that don’t require pulling over the head, and sleep on their back to prevent resting or putting pressure on the ears. The benefits of otoplasty are notable and include the correction of prominent, protruding or misshapen ears, increased self-confidence, and permanent results. Some common side effects post-surgery may encompass soreness, itchiness, redness, swelling, bruising, and tingling or numbness.
The satisfaction rate for otoplasty is impressively high, with a reported 96% satisfaction rate among participants.
How does otoplasty surgery work?
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, implying that patients can return home the same day. It begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the surgery. The specific surgical steps are contingent on the type of otoplasty being performed, but generally include making an incision (usually on the back of the ear or in the folds of the ear), adding or removing tissue, reshaping the ear, and closing the incision with stitches. The duration of the surgery ranges between one to three hours, depending on the individual’s specific situation.
What are the results like?
Following the surgery, a dressing is placed over the ears, which needs to be kept clean and dry. Patients are advised to avoid touching their ears, choose clothes that don’t require pulling over the head, and sleep on their back to prevent resting or putting pressure on the ears. The benefits of otoplasty are notable and include the correction of prominent, protruding or misshapen ears, increased self-confidence, and permanent results. Some common side effects post-surgery may encompass soreness, itchiness, redness, swelling, bruising, and tingling or numbness.
The satisfaction rate for otoplasty is impressively high, with a reported 96% satisfaction rate among participants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does otoplasty last forever?
How long will ears hurt for after otoplasty surgery?
When can I sleep normally after otoplasty?
How do I shower after ear surgery?
After undergoing ear surgery (and while the ear is healing), it’s important to follow some set rules to ensure it is kept clean and dry.
- ALWAYS make sure to keep the inside of the ear dry, if water gets in then dab it with a dry towel but don’t put anything into the ear itself (things like a Q-tip or earbud)
- You can shower or bathe 48 hours after surgery, but don’t soak or scrub the wound at all
- You can try to block the ears a little by placing a cotton wool ball coated with Vaseline into the outer bowl of the ear (don’t place anything into the ear canal itself)
- Dry the incisions immediately after bathing/showering and apply moisturising lotion or ointment (if prescribed) over the incisions until they are fully healed.
What is the difference between otoplasty and pinnaplasty surgery?
Can I wear earrings or pierce my ears after surgery?
After the ears are healed there is nothing stopping you from either wearing earrings or having your ears pierced. This includes both the lobe and any cartilage based piercings.
Will otoplasty surgery affect my hearing?
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