What is the purpose of an Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is both a cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedure that improves the shape, position or proportion of your ear. As a cosmetic procedure it is commonly used on overly large ears or prominent ears on one or both sides. As a reconstructive procedure, it can correct an ear structure defect that is present at birth or by injury.
What are the benefits of ear surgery?
After surgery, your ears will take a normal shape, allowing them to balance with the rest of your facial features. These tend to give you a more natural appearance with a better shape, increasing your image and self esteem.
What happens during ear surgery?
One of the most common techniques used is where your surgeon will make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage can then be sculpt, bent back towards your head and non-removable stitches are used to help maintain the new shape.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear where the skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself, reshaping the ear without removing cartilage. The technique used will be dependant on your problem.
Will I have a scar after ear surgery?
The positioning of the incision will be with your interest in mind so scarring will be hidden as much as possible. In most cases these are small and lay behind the ear. If the scar is visible, over time these fade and become nearly invisible.
How long is recovery from Otoplasty?
Generally, patients are up within a few hours of surgery but others wish to stay overnight in the hospital until all the effects of anaesthesia has worn off. Your head and ears will ache and feel sore for a few days afterwards but you will be given pain medication. You will be required to wear a bandage on your head which will be replaced with a lighter one after a week. The lighter bandage will look like a headband that must be worn solidly for two weeks. Recovery time tends to be 5-7 days and you would be able to return to work after this. Sports must be avoided for one month.
Related Treatment
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty, commonly referred to as simply ear surg...
