O

toplasty improves the proportion, shape or position of the ears. A malformation of the ears from birth or that manifests itself during childhood can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure is also used to treat deformities caused by injuries.

Otoplasty remakes the natural shape of the ears while providing proportion and balance to the face. Correcting deformities, even minor ones, has great benefits in the person’s self-esteem.

What can ear surgery correct?

-Too large ears, a condition called macrotia.
-Prominent ears on both sides or on one side to varying degrees – not associated with hearing loss.
-Dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery.

Who can be a candidate for ear reshaping?

Children included in the following groups:

-Healthy, without serious illness or chronic ear infections that have not been treated.
-From 5 years old, or at the moment that the cartilage of the ear is stable enough for correction.

Adults who may be candidates for otoplasty are:

-Healthy individuals who do not have a serious illness or medical conditions that may impair recovery.
-People with a positive and realistic perspective regarding the intervention.

Before an otoplasty. Preoperative

The success and safety of your procedure depend largely on your total frankness during the consultation with the professional. You will be asked several questions about your health and lifestyle. During an otoplasty consultation you should expose:

-Why you want the procedure, your expectations and the desired result.
-Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments.
-Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
-Previous surgeries.

The surgical procedure

An otoplasty is carried out as follows:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

The operation is carried out with local anaesthesia and sedation, on an outpatient basis.

Step 2 – The incision

For correction, surgical techniques are used to create or increase the fold of the antihelix (just inside the edge of the ear) and reduce the depth of the shell. The incision in otoplasty is usually done behind the ear. When incisions are needed at the front of the ear, they are made inside its folds to hide them. Nonremovable internal sutures are used to create and secure the newly formed cartilage.

Step 3 – Close the incision

After verifying that there is no bleeding, the incision is closed using stitches.

Step 4 – The results

Otoplasty presents immediate visible results once the bandage covering the ear is removed in the initial healing phase. The scars resulting from the surgery are hidden inside the natural folds or behind the ear and tend to lighten over the months so they go unnoticed.

Postoperative. What is the recovery process after otoplasty?

The discomfort after otoplasty is normal and can be controlled with pain relievers. Itching can also occur, but in any case, it is essential that the bandages remain intact and that they are not removed for any reason.

After surgery, bandages are placed to keep the intervened area clean and to support the new position of the ear during initial healing.

You will be given specific instructions on ear care, medications during the recovery process, and review appointments.

It is important that the surgical incisions are not exposed to sunlight during the healing time.