Otoplasty

Otoplasty surgery is a type of ear surgery to alter the size, shape, or position of the ears and to correct deformities or irregularities in the ear structure.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty surgery is a type of ear surgery to alter the size, shape, or position of the ears. This treatment is performed to correct deformities or irregularities in the ear structure, which can be due to genetic conditions, injury, or previous surgeries. Therefore, the goal of otoplasty is to create a natural, harmonious appearance of the ears in relation to the face.

If you are self-conscious about your ears, which are asymmetrical, otoplasty surgery can be beneficial for you. This treatment is applied by plastic surgeons. You can ask your healthcare provider for more information about the treatment's specifics.

There are several ear surgery types listed below:

Ear pinning: The otoplasty ear pinning method brings your ears closer to your head and offers a natural, balanced look.

Ear reduction: Otoplasty ear reduction surgery is also known as macrotia surgery. This process is a good option for those with larger ears. With this method, your surgeon will reduce your ear’s overall dimensions.

Ear augmentation: If you have underdeveloped ears and you are looking for surgery for them, you can check the ear augmentation method. This is ear plastic surgery using your own tissues or specialized implants to reconstruct your ears.

Cauliflower ear surgery: This method can also be considered ear reshaping surgery. Because, with this method, your surgeon will repair the shape and structure of your ear, which is distorted due to repeated trauma or surgery.

Who is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty surgery should be performed by experienced and qualified plastic surgeons. If you are looking for ear correction surgery, you should consult with your surgeon first. After evaluation, your surgeon will inform you if it is possible to apply this treatment to you. Some of the criteria for cosmetic ear surgery are:

• You should be in good health.
• You should be a non-smoker.
• You should have overly large, protruding, or asymmetrical ears.
• You should be over 5 years old.
• You should be psychologically ready for the surgery and otoplasty recovery.

Treatment Procedure for Otoplasty Ear Surgery

Otoplasty surgery generally takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on your overall health and ear condition. The details of this surgery can be summarized as below:

• After an initial consultation, your surgeon will create a customized treatment plan for ear surgery and otoplasty. In this session, you will be informed about which treatment types will be used.
• The next session is surgery. To ensure your comfort, your surgeon will apply general anesthesia. During the surgery, your surgeon will apply techniques such as cartilage sculpting, skin removal, or folding. This procedure is generally an incisionless otoplasty. However, incisions depend on the general condition of your ear.
• This treatment is generally outpatient, which means you do not have to spend the night at the hospital. After the surgery, you can go home and follow your doctor’s instructions, which are shared below:

Aftercare for Otoplasty Healing

Otoplasty surgery is considered an easy procedure, as patients generally do not have to spend the night at the hospital. About 6 months after the surgery, you will complete the recovery period. During this period, you should follow aftercare procedures such as:

• Your body needs this time to heal, so take it easy and avoid strenuous activities.
• Do not be alarmed by some swelling and discomfort. You can use prescribed pain relief and cold compresses as recommended to ease these symptoms.
• You should wear your protective headband.
• You should regularly visit your doctor.
• You should avoid putting pressure on your ears.

Advantages of Otoplasty—Ear Correction Surgery

Otoplasty surgery enhances your life in several meaningful ways. This enhancement is not only physical but also psychological. Some of the benefits of ear plastic surgery are:

• Otoplasty surgery boosts your self-confidence.
• This procedure fine-tunes your ears' symmetry and balance.
• Unlike many cosmetic procedures, otoplasty offers permanent solutions.
• For kids, otoplasty can be life-changing, significantly reducing the likelihood of teasing and bullying related to ear appearance.
• You can have whichever hairstyle you wish.
• Compared to other cosmetic surgeries, otoplasty has a relatively quick and straightforward recovery process.
• Otoplasty is tailored specifically to your unique requirements.

Side Effects of Otoplasty Surgery

Otoplasty surgery is considered a safe treatment. However, it is surgery, and there are potential risks. For example:

• You may notice some swelling and bruising around the ear area.
• Some degree of pain or discomfort is common post-surgery.
• There may be small scars, usually hidden behind the ear or within its natural creases. Over time, these tend to fade significantly.
• As with any surgery, there's a small risk of infection. If you follow your doctor’s instructions, you can minimize the infection risk.
• You might experience some numbness or a tingling sensation around the treated area, which generally resolves as the nerves heal.
• There is a slight risk of allergic reactions to materials used during surgery or post-operative care. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about the things you are allergic to.