Some people have large protruding ears or odd-shaped ears. These ear conditions may be a result of genetics, birth defects, or injuries. Otoplasty surgery is done to correct the shape of the ears and reduce their size.
Also known as cosmetic ear surgery or ear pinning, otoplasty is one of the most requested plastic surgeries in the world. This procedure is done after the age of five when the ears have fully grown.
Candidates for Otoplasty
You can consider this ear surgery if you have large ears that are not proportionate to your head. Otoplasty is for you if your ears stick out too much. Additionally, otoplasty can be done on patients who are not happy with previous surgery.
Otoplasty surgery is done to reshape the ears. The position of the ears does not change after the surgery. It does not affect the hearing ability either. Surgeons normally operate on both ears to achieve perfect symmetry.
Before Treatment
First, you should consult a professional surgeon. Discuss your goals and expected results for surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical history and inform you about the costs. Go through the benefits, risks, and expectations. If the surgery is for your child, include him in the decision-making. Explain how the surgery would benefit him.
The surgery normally lasts about two to three hours. There are a few things you need to do before the surgery:
Avoid taking alcohol two days before the surgery.
Stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery.
Avoid blood-thinning medications for 14 days.
Do not sunbathe for two weeks.
You may be required to avoid eating and drinking the morning of the surgery.
Wear loose-fitting clothing.
During the Surgery
The ears are first cleansed and injected with a local anesthetic. In some cases, especially when the surgery involves children, the patient may be placed under general anesthesia. It keeps them from moving during the surgery. Next, the surgeon makes an incision behind each ear, exposing the ear cartilage.
The cartilage is then removed and folded into an ideal size before being secured with internal stitches. The amount of cartilage removed will determine the amount of excess skin the surgeon will remove. Finally, the incision is closed with additional stitches.
After the Surgery
Immediately after the surgery, you may experience swelling, numbness, and discomfort. Do not be alarmed by a thick, dark substance coming out of your ears along with blood. You should avoid blowing your nose for about two weeks. Limit sun exposure and avoid strenuous activities after the surgery.
Wear clothes with zippers and buttons. Take your medication as directed and maintain a healthy diet as well. Contact your doctor if you have any trauma to your surgical site, experience excessive swelling or bleeding, or develop a fever.
Avoid touching or rubbing your ears during the recovery period. Do not mess with the headbands or dressings to avoid interfering with the recovery process. Avoid smoking and other drugs after the surgery.
Recovery Timeline
Recovering from an otoplasty surgery can take up to six weeks. The results can be noticed immediately after surgery, but the outcome can be visible after 12 months.
To know more about Otoplasty before, during, and after, visit Texas Plastic Surgery at our office in San Antonio, Texas. You can call 210.981.4490 to book an appointment today.
