Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery, which changes the appearance, the size and shape of the outer ear. Otoplasty can bring the ears closer to the head if they are sticking out and it can reshape the ear if the person is not happy about the shape. Otoplasty re-sculpts and reshapes the outer ear. In cases where the ear is deformed or absent, otoplasty surgery can reconstruct it. A plastic surgeon, an ENT specialist or a maxillofacial surgeon can do the job.
The external ear is made of cartilage, which is covered with skin. If the ears are too big or too small, asymmetrical, distorted or deformed, otoplasty can improve them. Otoplasty improves the condition but does not make the ears perfect. The patient has to know this and has to discus with the operating surgeon the method of the procedure. Though otoplasty can be done at any age, it is normally done when the socializing age begins. This is the time when children are exposed to ridicule and teasing if their ears are prominently big or small or absent. Normally the operation is done when the child is around four to fourteen years of age after the major ear growth has been completed. This prevents social trauma where teasing and emotional scars result because of the ears. Also the ears at this young age are softer and can be easily sculpted.
Though otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of the large ears, it can also be done if the size of the cup, the angle of the concha to the head is not proper, or there are enlarged lobes or it has unusual folds. Sometimes the ears are underdeveloped or have unusual shape, which may make the person, or the parents go in for otoplasty. Sometimes cancer surgery or trauma may require otoplasty.
The surgery can be performed after the patient has discussed in detail the procedure, the risks, the care to be taken before and after the surgery, and the cost of the surgery. The surgery generally takes about three to four hours depending upon the sculpting needed. Local or general anesthesia needs to be given during the procedure, which may leave the patient groggy. After the operation, the head will be covered with a thick bandage, which will be changed to a lighter one after about a week. The patient has to take care that the operated ear is not hurt or pressure is not put on it. Children generally become normal within a few hours after the surgery, once they come out of the anesthesia. But care has to be taken for at least a week.
In most cases the patient is fully satisfied with the procedure. |
