Ears correction (otoplasty)
Ear surgery or otoplasty allows reducing external ear size and correcting prominent auricle. This plastic surgery is the only available for children above 6. 2 types of otoplasty are distinguished: reconstructive and aesthetic. The aesthetic procedure is aimed at removal of any ear cosmetic defects. The purpose of the reconstructive surgery is to correct congenital abnormalities of auricles. Surgery has no effect on hearing organs functioning.
Procedure of ear surgery:
There are 3 methods of ear plastic surgery: Furnas technique, Mustardé technique and Etenstrom-Stenstrom technique. All above methods are intended to correct the protruding ears but they use different incisions. The basic procedure is as follows:
- An incision is made on the back surface of the ear using a scalpel or a laser.
- A small patch of skin is removed close to the cartilage.
- Fine cuts are made on the cartilage to shape it.
- The newly shaped cartilage is sutured with its remaining part. As a result the ears will be permanently positioned close to the head.
- The incision on the cartilage is sutured with self-absorbable threads.
- A bandage is applied to press the ears against the head tightly.
Preparation to otoplasty:
Prior to surgery a comprehensive clinical examination takes place, blood is tested for infectious diseases, its clotting ability is determined. It is mandatory for a patient to undergo an ECG procedure and X-ray examination.
Taking drugs especially those affecting the blood clotting ability (aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, etc.) should be ceased 2 weeks before surgery. A patient must inform a surgeon about any drug allergies. A patient shall stop smoking and consuming alcohol. One day prior to surgery the intestines are purged using purgatives or enema. No eating and drinking is allowed 8 hours before surgery.
In addition a surgeon measures the auricles and takes photos of them. Various matters are discussed including future results.
Procedure/surgery duration: 2 hours
Anesthesia: local or general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
As this surgery is an outpatient procedure a patient will be discharged from the clinic immediately after surgery. It is necessary to attach a compressive bandage to the patient’s head. This bandage shall be worn for 5 days without taking off. Then, it should be attached for night only to prevent ear trauma.
On the first day after surgery swelling or bruising of auricles can occur. Tiny hematomas can emerge at sutures. Most hematomas will subside on their own in 2 weeks.
Ear sensitivity will be restored gradually after surgery. Some patients feel itching behind auricles. Such feeling will subside very quickly on their own.
Sometimes a doctor can prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infections. If a doctor uses ordinary threads during the procedure it is required to remove them 2 weeks later.
If a surgery takes place in summer it is necessary to protect the operated area from the sun after the compressive bandage is removed.
It will be possible to see the final result only in 6 months after surgery. For the rehabilitation period a patient is prescribed a course of physiotherapy to boost the recovery.
