Otoplasty is the operation to correct the shape and size of the ears, as well as to restore their angle with the temporal region of the skull (detached ears).

Otoplasty : The operation

Local anesthesia is sufficient for the otoplasty except for the case of children. The duration of the otoplasty is about one hour. The incisions are made in the posterior region of the ear, and they do not show postoperatively. Through these incisions the deformities of the cartilage of the ear are corrected. The patient leaves for home after the operation.

An elastic bandage is placed on the ears of the patient in order to ensure the stability of their position.

Postoperatively, the bandage is removed after 2 days, however further protection is required for at least one month. For the first week, in fact, it is recommended for men to wear a hat, and for women a ribbon.

The results of the operation are immediately visible. It is understandable that the patient sees and enjoys the change from the first and all hours but the final result appears after 10 to 14 days when the swelling goes away. The operation is relatively simple and safe and the results are immediate.

Children

In the case of a young child, because they are less cooperative, general anesthesia is needed for otoplasty. It is recommended to be done during the preschool age so that the child who has the problem does not face the comments of his classmates. Otoplasty overcomes any complexes that may develop in a child with detached ears, but also in an adult who is late in making the decision to have surgery.

Otoplasty and complications

All surgical techniques in otoplasty aim to create ears that go unnoticed and look “normal”. The following side effects may occur a few times:

Unnatural appearance, betraying that they are operated on (as if they are stuck to the head).

Recurrence in their preoperative position after some time (usually six months to a year).

Creating a hypertrophic scar or keloid at the incision points.

Infection and hematoma can rarely occur if the patient does not follow the track as directed by the physician in the first 3 to 5 postoperative days.

Fortunately, these complications are very rare as people who undergo surgery usually pay special attention to the surgeon’s instructions.