Otoplasty

Otoplasty is also known as ear surgery and is practiced with great success to correct the shape, size or position of the ears in relation to the head.

This procedure consists of making incisions from which excess skin can be removed, repositioning or reshaping the cartilage, in some cases it is advisable to reduce the ear lobe.

The scars behind the pinna are imperceptible and the result of the operation is permanent.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is an outpatient ear surgery, the same day after your procedure you go home. The treatment of each case depends on what is producing the prominence of the ear. The idea is to shape all the folds, sometimes we focus more on the excess cartilage called concha, in other cases we reshape the part of the ear called helix and in others the antihelix.

To shape the ear, a cut is made in the back of the ear, where it is completely hidden.

The risks in this surgery are infrequent. It is necessary to go to a certified plastic surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are candidates for Otoplasty?

More than half of the people with prominent ears admit having suffered jokes and mockery. This problem affects 8.5 percent of the population and causes 170,000 operations worldwide every year due to the aesthetic and self-esteem problems it causes.

Due to the concern of parents regarding the appearance of their children's ears, it is very common for this surgery to be performed on children. However, it is necessary to wait until the ear is over 85% of the size it will reach as an adult. This is reached at the age of 6 years old. So from this age the surgery can be performed.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery is relatively quick, with an average duration of 45 minutes for both ears. In some patients only one ear needs to be treated, but in the vast majority both sides are affected.

What type of anesthesia is used in Otoplasty?

Local anesthesia can be used, where the patient is awake but painless, the discomfort of the side effects of sedative medications such as nausea is avoided and immediately after surgery the patient can go home. In the case of nervous or anxious people it is better to perform this type of procedure under sedation along with local anesthesia or even general anesthesia. Each case should be treated individually in consultation to achieve the best result with the least possible risk.

How much does it cost?

The cost is variable and the type of anesthesia used must be taken into account. Since it is feasible to use local anesthesia, doing it with this type of anesthesia is much cheaper. However, you must consider other expenses such as hospital expenses and medical fees of the surgical team involved in your surgery. In your consultation, according to the anesthesia that best suits you and the type of technique to be used, the exact budget will be determined.

How long is the recovery time?

The patient will be present especially during the first month and certain precautions must be taken. Although there is an immediate change in the shape of the treated ears, it is important to know that the result can be considered definitive after 6 months.

After the surgery, certain indications must be taken into account:

It is necessary to use a "tennis player" type band or a ballerina for the hair that makes pressure on the ears, which will allow better control of the inflammation, which will remain in that position throughout the days until its final internal healing and avoid any accident and bend and lose the shape built during surgery. This band must be maintained for at least 3 weeks 24 hours a day.

You will not be able to exercise for 30 days, since the increase of physical activity or important efforts produce more inflammation in the ear and can lose definition.

In general terms it does not hurt. Some patients report a sensation of pressure and a stabbing pain but it is related to the inflammation. The use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly control these discomforts.