Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed for repositioning and reshaping the ear to enhance its appearance. Otoplasty can be performed on an adult or a child who has prominent, malformed or asymmetrical ears.
How Otoplasty is Performed
Otoplasty takes between one and three hours depending on your particular condition. Several techniques can be used depending on the extent of the correction and the nature of your problem. The most common method starts with a small incision being made at the back of the ear aimed at exposing the cartilage. The surgeon then sculpts and trims the cartilage then repositions the ear closer to the head and secures it with non-removable sutures. Sometimes, extra cartilage is removed to obtain the desired cosmetic results.
Another technique is used to reshape the ear without removing any cartilage. A small incision is made in the back of the ear then the excess skin is removed. The cartilage is then folded back then non-removable stitches are used to retain the cartilage in its new position.
Otoplasty may take place in the surgeon’s office, hospital, or outpatient surgical center. It is usually done on an outpatient basis that allows you to return home the same day after surgery. However, occasionally your surgeon may require you or your child to spend a night at the medical facility under medical supervision.
Otoplasty surgery is done using general or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. With general anesthesia, the patient sleeps throughout the procedure. It is therefore recommended for children. However, depending on your doctor’s advice or your preference, you or older children may receive local anesthesia to numb the area being treated, together with a mild sedative that makes you drowsy.
Risks of Otoplasty
The risks of this surgical procedure are rare and minimal if a qualified surgeon does it. However, all surgical procedures have risks, and the following risks are possible after otoplasty.
- Blood clots
- Pain, bruising and swelling beyond the normal level
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Breaking or loosening of stitches
- Dissatisfaction with the results
Benefits of otoplasty
The following are the advantages of otoplasty.
- It repositions and reshapes the ears so that they are proportional to the face
- It boosts your self-confidence and eliminates adverse psychological effects associated with bullying and teasing
Otoplasty is a surgery that could help you to reshape your ears and make them appear proportional. It has minimal risks involved, and it is suitable for both children and adults. If you feel that you need an otoplasty surgery, contact Real Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stephen Salerno. We have locations in Moonee Ponds and Werribee for your convenience.
