Otoplasty
Otoplasty is done to set back prominent ears. In general, this procedure can be performed through an incision in the back of the ear. Permanent sutures are placed to reshape the ear. This is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local with sedation or general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. Postoperatively, a bulky dressing will be placed to promote the best molding of the ears. This will be replaced by a lighter dressing within a week.
Procedural Steps
First, Anesthesia is induced
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. This procedure is usually done under local with IV sedation or general anesthesia.
The Incision
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, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.
Closing the Incisions
External stitches close the incision. Techniques are individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.
Results
Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once 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 in the natural creases of the ear.
Ear Surgery Recovery
Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.
Risks of ear surgery
The decision to have ear surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.
Some of the risks include:
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Asymmetry
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Change in skin sensation
- Skin contour irregularities
- Skin discoloration/swelling
- Anesthesia risks
- Unfavorable scarring
- Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
- Pain, which may persist
- Possibility of revisional surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions prior to surgery.