Otoplasty aims to correct ear abnormalities by reshaping the cartilage of the ear to create a symmetrical, natural sized and shaped ear that is aesthetically and psychologically pleasing to the patient.
Such anomalies may include:
– ear cups that are at a greater angle to the skull than usual, called “bat ears”
– ear cartilage that is too large and protrudes from the ear, increasing the protruding shape
– normal cartilaginous folds do not form, without bends
Correction of these abnormalities can be performed any time a patient feels stressed about the shape or position of their ears.
The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia under surgical conditions. In addition to local anaesthesia, anaesthesia or intravenous sedation (general anaesthesia) is also available.
The type of anaesthesia is discussed between the plastic surgeon, the anaesthetist and the patient. During surgery, the plastic surgeon can use several techniques to perform the desired procedure.
In an otoplasty, an incision is made inside the natural crease behind the ear and the cartilage is reshaped to create the desired ear shape. The natural convexity of the auricles is shaped or corrected by thinning or bending the cartilaginous skeleton.
In some cases, cartilage excision or partial cartilage removal may be necessary. Once the auricles are in their normal position, deep stitches are used to fix and close the skin.
The operation can take from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the abnormality and complexity.
The nature of the surgery does not require close hospital attention so the patient can return home on the day of surgery. After surgery, an elastic bandage is placed on the patient’s head to keep the ears in the correct position.
The first bandage is usually removed 5-7 days after surgery. After that, a protective headband is worn at night for a period of time determined by the doctor.
With a balanced lifestyle and careful, gradual movement, you should be back to your normal routine within 2 weeks. The final shape will be visible 1-2 months after the procedure.
– better well-being, more self-confidence
– small, hidden scars
– aesthetic, more symmetrical ears with a natural shape and position
Although complications are rare, it is worth being aware of the following potential complications:
– post-operative bleeding: if it is not just a spot of blood on the dressing (which should not be a cause for concern), further surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is not drained, it may cause swelling (haematoma), which must be drained to protect the quality of the aesthetic result.
– Infection: fortunately rare thanks to strict surgical sterility. If infection does occur, it must be treated quickly and radically to prevent it from reaching the cartilage (chondritis), which can have serious consequences.
– abnormal scars: despite careful follow-up of the sutures, any ear scar can become hypertrophic or develop into a “scar swelling” (keloid), which is unpredictable and difficult to treat. To avoid this, preventive treatment (in the form of silicone gel or compression bandaging) may be prescribed.
– cutaneous necrosis: this is usually limited to the front of the ear bump, where the skin is very thin and the blood supply may be disturbed. It usually heals with local dressings and a small, discrete scar may remain.
– Asymmetric auricle
– Overcorrected auricle
