Otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, reshapes protruding ears (so-called jug ears) and corrects congenital defects or disfigured ears after injury or removal of tumours. Furthermore, this procedure allows correcting asymmetrical pinnae and dysmorphic or cracked lobes.

Preparing for ear surgery

During the preoperative evaluation, the surgeon analyses the shape and size of the ears, which are often very different from each other, explaining the most appropriate surgical techniques in order to achieve the best possible result. The pre-surgical assessment is a very important factor to exclude possible complications (high blood pressure, bleeding or scarring problems) that could undermine the surgical outcome; therefore, it is important to follow any advice about diet, use of medications, cigarettes and alcohol.

Otoplasty procedure

Otoplasty is performed in day surgery under local anaesthesia for adults and general anaesthesia for children and lasts about 1 hour. Surgery restores the ideal position of the pinna against the head whereas, in some cases, involves the whole reconstruction of the auricle. Otoplasty procedure is painless and requires a compression garment to wear for two days.

Postoperative care instructions

It is advisable to wear a headband that compress the affected area for several days after surgery, especially at night, to avoid undermining the surgical outcome. During the first week, you could experience bruise and oedema around the treated area. Rarely occur hematoma, infections and keloid scars. By the third day, patients can restart their normal life, avoiding wearing glasses. Stitches are removed about 10-12 days after surgery. Within two weeks, you can resume all your daily activities, including sports. Otoplasty, both unilateral and bilateral, gives permanent and satisfactory results, already visible immediately after surgery.

Scars in otoplasty

Surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear hence totally inconspicuous.

FAQ

Who undergoes otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure required by patients who need to reshape and reposition their ears because prominent ("flapping"), or patients who have suffered trauma to the auricle due to accidents or other surgery.

Is there any age limit to undergo this type of plastic surgery?

It is better to wait until the ear is fully developed and there should be strong motivations and beliefs to undergo otoplasty; however, there is no age limit to undergo this type of surgical procedure. In particular, otoplasty is required for children aged 6 to 14 because certain cosmetic defects become a source of discomfort in relationships with peers and cause lack of self-confidence.

Is it possible to combine ear surgery with other cosmetic surgery?

Ear surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty.

Are there risks and / or complications for this type of plastic surgery?

Otoplasty is a relatively simple surgical procedure and when is carried out by qualified surgeons who perform plastic surgery procedures in accredited facilities, results are generally very satisfactory and complications (infections, hematoma) are rare and can be easily healed. It is important to note that otoplasty will not affect hearing.

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