Otoplasty - Shaping of the ear

This surgical procedure is used to reduce large or protruding ears. This procedure sets the ears back closer to the head and may involve molding, shaping and/or removing cartilage to pull the ears in, and reduce the protrusion. This procedure will not affect your hearing. It involves only the outer ear, not the middle or inner ear where hearing takes place.

Who is a good candidate for an Otoplasty?

Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached (or nearly reached) their adult size. This usually occurs at around 5 to 6 years of age. This surgery is most frequently performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Most procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons and to help children better adapt and blend in with their peers. In many cases, children with large ears suffer from ridicule, adapt poorly to school, and feel extremely self-conscious. Adults may be candidates for this operation as well.

How is the procedure performed?

An incision is made behind the ear, where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon then removes as much of the cartilage and skin as needed to achieve the desired effect. The surgeon may trim the cartilage, reshaping it and then pinning it back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, but may simply use stitches to reshape the cartilage permanently. Incisions and the resulting scars are well concealed on the back of the ear.

Planning for Your Surgery

First, schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you'd like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial consultation:

• Provide a complete medical history. Include information about any previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and all medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
• Your surgeon will examine the structure of both ears. Even if only one ear needs correction, surgery may still be recommended on both ears to achieve a natural, symmetrical appearance.
• Be prepared to discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. A pre-operative information packet will be provided that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your plastic surgery team will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You may also want to make arrangements for someone to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.

Types of Anesthesia

General anesthetic is used so that you will sleep and remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.

Surgical Indication:

Protruding ears of 1,2,3 degree.

The shape of the ear depends on the configuration of the cartilage which composes most of the ear auricle, thus, to reshape the ear or to move it, one must modify the cartilage. Small incisions are placed behind the ear. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.

After the operation:

The patient wears a snug-fitting bandage for 24 hours, which is then removed and replaced with a ski-type headband to support the healing ears. This band is worn continuously for five to seven days and then at night for six weeks.

Rehabilitation period:

6-7 days.

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly-perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears.