OTOPLASTY

Also known as: Ear reshaping surgery

Procedures
Face
Breast
Body
Hair
Non Surgical

Indications

Some children are born with ears which are protruding or disfigured. If your ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery to correct them. Ear surgery – also known as otoplasty – can improve the shape, projection or proportion of the ear.

Ear reconstruction on the other hand, (also called as auricular reconstruction) can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth ( called as “microtia) as well as misshapen ears caused by injury. Ear reconstruction is done by plastic surgeons who are trained in this particular field. Recreation of missing shape of the ear may require additional cartilage to be used from the chest.

Who are good candidates for ear surgery:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections.
  • Children 9 years old or older who have ear cartilage that is stable enough for correction in those requiring total ear reconstruction.
  • Those patients who are co-operative and follow instructions well.
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals for ear surgery
procedure-achieve-bg

What does the procedure achieve?

The procedure aims to improve the shape, projection and proportion of the ear.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Any patient above 9 years of age who is physically and mentally healthy and wants to improve the shape and appearance of their ear/s, is an eligible candidate.

CONSULTATION

Patients and the parents of young children should get their doubts explained during the face to face consultation with their plastic surgeon. They can ask about alternative treatments and possible risks or side-effects of the planned procedure.Usually your plastic surgeon will show you pictures of similar cases that he/she has performed and the outcome.Patients should disclose any history of previous surgeries to the doctor.

Your plastic surgeon will then

- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs
- Discuss your ear surgery options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of your ear surgery and any risks or potential complications

Anaesthesia

The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Please discuss about your anaesthesia options with your surgeon.

TIME FOR PROCEDURE

The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on the extent of deformity.
  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anaesthesia combined with intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Otoplasty for correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or improve the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear in the groove behind the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

External stitches close the incision. In children, many times absorbable sutures are used. Techniques are individualized and care is taken to avoid distorting other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.

Once the dressings are removed, patients can see immediate results in cases of protruding ears. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear. Some swelling or discomfort is normal in young children and they may be advised appropriate measures such as ice application for pain relief.

Dressings in the form of a head band covering the ears will be used to support the new shape of the ear during initialhealing phases. Once these are removed, the results of your ear surgery are immediately visible. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear.

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed for any reason.

The results of your ear surgery, especially otoplasty, are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve, and incision lines will fade. The results of your surgery will be apparent over the next few months.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your plastic surgeon’s instructions is essential for the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. It is particularly important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Complications

The risks include:

Anesthesia risks

Bleeding

Infection

Poor wound healing

Change in skin sensation

Asymmetry

Persistent pain

Unfavorable scarring

Possibility of revisional surgery

Allergies to tape, suture materials, topical preparations or injected agents