Correction of protruding ears is among the most common procedures in aesthetic and corrective surgery. Deformity of the ear in terms of protruding is the most common hereditary anomaly among the many deformities on the outer part of the ear. It represents an esthetic imperfection exclusively – there are no functional impediments to hearing development. It is noticed immediately after birth, and later, especially in puberty, it can create deep dissatisfaction. Correction of ear deformity, before enrolling a child in school, can spare him/her the emotional trauma caused by other children teasing, which can lead to serious lack of self-confidence.
During the first months of life, while cartilage is still soft and supple, it is possible, to some extent, to correct irregularities using bandages and plasters. Later on, when the ear has taken its definitive form, placing the ear lobe near to the head and reducing its size is done surgically – with otoplasty.
Description of the procedure
The procedure in children is done in general anesthesia, in adults in local anesthesia, potentiated. It is usually done in childhood, often in youth – but, people of all ages that are bothered by “lop” ears can be subjected to it. Growth and development of ears end at the age of 4 and then they can be surgically corrected. The procedure is performed by modeling the ear cartilage and clinging ear lobe near to a head. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Surgical incision is hardly visible because it is located in the crease between the ear and the head.
Preparation
Course of the procedure
The procedure in children is done in general anesthesia, in adults in local anesthesia, potentiated.
There are several surgical techniques of solving this problem and mainly, the cartilage, whose situation needs to be corrected, is approached with cuts behind the ear. The outer crease of the cartilage is reshaped, remodeled, the excess is, if necessary, removed, and ears are fixed in normal position.
Recovery
After the surgery, ears are wrapped with a bandage which is to be replaced after a day or two with an elastic sport band, during the next 5 days. Sutures in children aren’t necessary to be extracted, and in adults, they are extracted in seven days. Washing your hair is allowed after seven days.
The elastic band is to be worn during the nighttime for the next 3 to 4 weeks, in order to prevent the ears from folding. The scar is at the back of the ear; it heals well and is not noticeable.
The result of the procedure is permanent!
Precautions and limitations
Three to four weeks after the surgery, the elastic band must be worn at night, in order to prevent unintentional ear injury during sleep. Medium pain and discomfort are possible, and they are solved by taking analgesics. Usually, the problems disappear in the next 24 hours, and every pain that is stronger requires medical attention.
Side effects and complications
As with any other surgery, possible inflammations and bleeding may occur, on which you will be informed during the consultation. Compliance with the instructions received reduces the risk of these complications.
Package
Package includes: first consultation examination with the doctor, preoperative examination by an anesthesiologist, surgery under general anesthesia, postoperative supervision, necessary medications, reviews and bandaging during the first postoperative days, extraction of sutures and necessary control examinations one year after the surgery.
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