Otoplasty Surgery

If a person’s ears stick out or if they are too big or too small, if they are shapeless or asymmetrical, the person may not like them. Hair can cover the defects if they are small but in most cases a plastic surgery called otoplasty can remodel the ears and make them normal and acceptable.

Some children are born without proper outer ears. They may be folded, earlobes may be too large or the ears may be squashed. Otoplasty can cure all this. This procedure, which is a surgical one, is best done when the child is between the ages of four and fourteen. This is the age when he can understand; ask questions yet escape the teasing, the comments and the emotional trauma associated with unattractive ears.

Experienced doctors and surgeons can surgically improve the size and the shape of the ear. Small incisions are made in the folds of the ears and augmented if the ears are small. The cartilage can be cut if the ears are too large. If the folds are uneven, they can be straightened during the surgery. The large earlobes can be cut to the required size. Augmentation can be done to increase the size of the cartilage and the piece can be removed from the patient’s own body.

The operation lasts for three to four hours depending on the problem. It is done under anesthesia, which the patient and the doctor can decide. Some patients would like to be conscious during the operation and a light anesthesia may be given. If they are scared or do not want to see the operation, it can be done under general anesthesia. This operation is done on an outpatient basis but if the patient and the doctor feel it is advisable, the patient can also be hospitalized for a day or two. Sometimes only one ear may need surgery but doctors may perform on both for symmetrical purposes.

After the incisions are sutured, a heavy bandage is put over the ears and the head. This protects the operated ears and prevents them from getting hurt. This heavy bandage will remain for about a week after which a lighter one will be used. Most youngsters are back to normal within a few hours of the surgery. Care has to be taken to see that nothing hurts the ears and there is no sudden jerk. Some pain can also be expected.

As the patient knows that otoplasty improves the condition but does not make the ears perfect, the patients are happy about the outcome.