Plastic and rejuvenating operations

Plastic and rejuvenating operations in Odessa

Otoplasty (Ears correction)

Otoplasty (from Greek Othos - ear) is a general term for plastic surgery of ears. The most common understanding of cosmetic otoplasty is surgical correction of protruding ears. The goal of this surgery is to change the position and, sometimes, the shape of an ear to decrease the distance between the bottom edge of the outer ear and postaural area, and to achieve the better proportionality of the ear and appearance in general. Various methods of surgical correction of everted ears have been known from 40s of XIX century, but the modern techniques of cosmetic otoplasty have been formed about 50 years ago.

When is the best time for otoplasty? The surgery is usually performed at the age of 5-6 years, before a child starts school where ears form can cause shyness and unsociability for communication with mates.

How is otoplasty performed? The techniques of the surgery may significantly vary depending on the anatomical causes of everted ears and a surgeon’s solutions. The reason of the surgery is to create more marked fold in the middle part of earflap what is achieved through plastic surgery of the cartilage which form the outer ear frame. The skin area on the posterior surface of the earflap is removed; a part of cartilage tissue is also removed or folded to put the ear into a new, more natural, shape.

Where are incisions lines located and are postsurgical scars visible? Skin incision and postsurgical scars are located in the natural fold on the posterior surface of the earflap and are not visible from outside. Overdevelopment of the scar tissue (keloidosis) may rarely be observed; it is predetermined by individual aptitude of the body and does not depend on the quality of the surgery. The best choice in this case is removal of the scars with the help of laser scalpel.

Do you need to stay in a clinic? Otoplasty usually requires 1-day stay in the clinic. The surgery is performed under local, sometimes general, anaesthesia. Duration of the surgery is 1 hour. Patients demonstrate rapid recovery after this type of surgery.

What happens after the surgery? Are there any complications? While otoplasty has no connection to gross complications, the postsurgical period may demonstrate tissue edema in the area of the surgery, temporary sensitivity shift, and minor painfulness. Sometimes, the surgery effect eventually lessens and it can be the reason for repeated surgery. To prevent this, elastic bandage should be used at nights and all prescriptions of the surgeon should be followed during 3-4 weeks of the postsurgical period. Perfect symmetry of left and right ears is an unrealistic expectation.

When can I resume my usual lifestyle? During a week after the surgery a patient should wear fascia bandages fixing right position of earflaps. Most patients prefer to stay at home during this period. The stitches are taken out on the 10th-14th day. No heavy physical exercises are allowed during 6 weeks.

How important are psychological factors for otoplasty? Emotional stability is one of the most important factors in the performance of any cosmetic surgery. When undergoing otoplasty at the age of 5-6 years many children yet do not feel anxious about their appearance too much, they need mainly psychological support and favouring of their parents as regards to the surgery. In later life, especially among adolescents, excessive anxiety and escalated attention to their appearance can be observed. It requires special attention before performing the surgery. Moreover, expectations from the surgery should be also frankly discussed with the surgeon.