What is an Otoplasty?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by an otoplasty procedure. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury.Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.
What can it improve?
● Overly large ears – a condition called macrotia
● Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees – not associated with hearing loss
● Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
How is the surgery performed?
Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase 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. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, nonremovable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.
What should I expect after surgery?
After surgery, bandages or dressings will be applied to keep your surgical site clean, protect it from trauma, and support the new position of the ear during initial healing. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, sunlight or tanning bed light, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. An otoplasty offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear.
