Otoplasty Operation

Otoplasty surgery, also known as ear surgery or prominent ear surgery, is a surgical procedure that can change the shape, position or size of the ears.

It is a type of plastic surgery usually performed to correct ear abnormalities such as protruding, large or misshapen ears. Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults and is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the ears.

Prominent ears are a fairly common problem, affecting one in 20 children.

During otoplasty surgery, the surgeon will make small incisions behind the ear and reshape the cartilage to create a more aesthetically pleasing ear shape. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete and is performed under local or general anesthesia. Recovery time varies by individual, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery.

While prominent ear surgery is primarily performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be performed for medical reasons. For example, if a child is born with an ear deformity that affects their hearing, otoplasty surgery can help correct the deformity and improve their hearing. Overall, otoplasty surgery is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the ears and can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem.

Types of Otoplasty

There are several types of otoplasty surgery, including ear pinning, ear reduction and ear augmentation.

Ear pinning; is the most common type of otoplasty surgery and is used to correct protruding ears. The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped and repositioned closer to the head to create a more natural appearance.

Ear reduction; is used to reduce the size of overly large ears. The procedure involves removing excess cartilage and skin from the ear to create a more proportionate appearance.

Ear augmentation; is used to increase the size of small or underdeveloped ears. The procedure involves placing a silicone implant in the ear to create a more natural appearance.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Otoplasty

The ideal candidate for prominent ear surgery is an individual of any age with good general health and no recurrent ear problems.

Age Related Considerations

Children as young as five years old are candidates for otoplasty because they have already reached about 90% of the adult ear size. School-age children with prominent ear problems are observed to have a weak communication skills and an introverted personality. For this reason, it is recommended to perform prominent ear aesthetics at an early age in order not to negatively affect the personality and psychological development of the child. However, the child must be mature enough to understand the procedure and follow the postoperative instructions.

For adults, there is no upper age limit for otoplasty as long as they are in good health and do not have any medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications.

Medical and Health Requirements

They should not smoke as smoking can increase the risk of complications and impair healing.

Individuals with a history of keloid scarring or poor wound healing may not be good candidates for otoplasty as the procedure involves incisions behind the ear.

Also, individuals with certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases may not be good candidates for otoplasty.

Otoplasti Prosedürü

Hazırlık ve Danışma

Otoplasti prosedüründen önce cerrah, hastanın hedeflerini, tıbbi geçmişini ve mevcut sağlık durumunu belirlemek için kapsamlı bir konsültasyon yapacaktır. Cerrah ayrıca en iyi cerrahi yaklaşımı belirlemek için hastanın kulak şeklini ve boyutunu da değerlendirecektir. Konsültasyon sırasında cerrah, prosedürün risk ve faydalarının yanı sıra iyileşme sürecini de tartışacaktır.

Hastanın halihazırda kullandığı ilaçlar veya takviyeler de dahil olmak üzere eksiksiz bir tıbbi geçmiş sunması gerekecektir. Cerrah ayrıca hastanın ameliyat için yeterince sağlıklı olduğundan emin olmak için hastadan kan testleri veya görüntüleme çalışmaları gibi bazı tanısal testlerden geçmesini isteyebilir.

Anesthesia and Sedation

Otoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. Local anesthesia involves numbing the ear area, while general anesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep.

In addition to anesthesia, the surgeon may also use sedation to help the patient relax during the procedure. Sedation can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the patient’s needs.

Recovery and Care

After undergoing otoplasty surgery, it is very important to follow proper recovery and aftercare instructions to achieve the best results. The healing process can vary from person to person, but generally patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and numbness in the treated area.

Postoperative Care

After surgery, the patient’s ears will be covered with a dressing that will need to be changed regularly. The surgeon will give detailed instructions on how to care for the dressing and when it can be removed. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.

To manage discomfort and swelling, the surgeon may prescribe pain medication and recommend the use of ice packs. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for several weeks following surgery. It is also important to avoid sleeping on the treated area and keep the head elevated to reduce swelling.

Things to consider after the operation

• The day after the operation, the ears should be dressed and a hair band that covers the ear but does not squeeze it should be worn.
• The band should be worn for 3 weeks after the dressing. The band will both reduce the load on the stitches and reduce the edema caused by the operation more quickly.
• Since the ears will be a little numb after the operation, a blow dryer should not be used for 2 weeks.
• There is no harm in taking a shower with warm water 3 days after the operation.
• Ears should be protected from all kinds of physical effects for 2 weeks after the operation.
• Care should be taken not to lie on the ears for 2 weeks after the operation.

Potential Side Effects

While prominent ear surgery is generally safe, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of. These include;

• Discomfort or pain in the treated area
• Swelling and bruising
• Numbness or tingling in the ears
• Itching or feeling of tightness in the ears

Most of these side effects are temporary and will subside within a few weeks. However, if the patient experiences severe pain, bleeding or signs of infection, they should contact their surgeon immediately.

In some cases, the patient may need to wear a headband or bandage over the treated area for several weeks to help the healing process. The surgeon will give instructions on when and how to put the headband on and when it can be removed.