What is otoplasty (ear surgery)?
Otoplasty is the surgery that deals with shaping the ear’s auricle, either due to aesthetic deformity present from birth or damage after an accident.
Our ears are the organ that allows us hearing which is one of our five senses. Their role is primarily functional and minimally aesthetic. The eyes and mouth dominate the face, while the ears function aesthetically as a harmonious frame for the face. When they become too prominent, their size and position can become disproportionate, creating imbalance in the facial harmony.
With the advanced technique of otoplasty, we ensure the balance of facial features. The ears are shaped correctly, making them blend naturally into the overall look.
Did you know that…
- Protruding ears (prominent ears) are a very common phenomenon, affecting more than 5% of people?
In many cases, this is more or less acceptable, but in other cases, the ears protrude significantly and differ in size, shape, etc.
- The congenital shape and size of the ears do not change as we grow older.
Therefore, there is no reason to delay ear surgery, as there will be no improvement with time.
- Using headbands for girls or bandages for boys is not a solution.
On the contrary, they can only cause discomfort and do not solve the issue of protruding ears.
- This imbalance between ears and the face can cause psychological stress in children and young people.
A recommended solution is to perform otoplasty by the age of 6.
How is ear surgery performed?
In children, the procedure is done under general anesthesia, while in adults, it is done under mild sedation and local anesthesia, lasting about 2 hours. During the surgery, an incision is made on the back side of the auricle, so that it is as inconspicuous as possible. Through this single incision, the cartilage framework is prepared for the necessary adjustments. Once the cartilage is shaped and stabilized, the initial incision is sutured with intradermal stiches. After the surgery, an elastic bandage is applied around the ears.
After the surgery
Otoplasty is a day surgery, and the patient is discharged 1 to 2 hours after the procedure while wearing a simple elastic bandage. This bandage is kept on for 7 to 10 days, and then only an elastic strap is required during sleep.
The otoplasty procedure does not cause discomfort and is not accompanied by any pain, just a numbness in the area that lasts for the recovery period. Prophylactic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication are given orally for 10 days. It is advised to avoid intense physical exercise for 15-20 days and to avoid contact sport activities (e.g., martial arts) for about 30 days.
What are the results of otoplasty?
The improvement in the patient’s appearance after a successful otoplasty is quite noticeable, as it is also accompanied by a significant improvement in their psychological well-being. Women, in particular, are impressively cheerful and happy, and the general impression from their friends and colleagues is that they have become more attractive, although it is hard for others than the patient to pinpoint exactly why.
“After all, the definition of beauty is simply recognizing it when it is present.”
— Marcel Proust, French writer
