Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty
- What is otoplasty?
- How is otoplasty performed?
- Where are the incisions made?
- What should I expect postoperatively?
- Is it quite painful? Is there much swelling or bruising?
- When will I be able to see the results?
- What are the risks of otoplasty?
Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery that changes the appearance of the external ear. It can involve a combination of moving, reshaping, adding, or removing structural ear elements. Otoplasty surgery can take many forms, including bringing the ears that stick out too far closer to the head (ear pinning), reducing the size of very large ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. This procedure is usually performed by an maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, or ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon. Otoplasty is commonly requested to correct birth defects of the ear or a traumatic injury or disfigurement to the ear.
The results are generally very satisfying to the patient and family, often dramatically changing the outlook of the patient. This is particularly true with children. When ears protrude noticeably or are abnormal in some way, children often are subjected to teasing by their peers at a time when they may already be self-conscious or shy and introverted. Many mothers have recounted how the personality of their child blossomed after otoplasty, and some have noted improvement in school grades.
2. How is otoplasty performed?
Except in children, the operation is often performed as an outpatient procedure under local or regional anesthesia. In young children (usually under the age of 8), general anesthesia is usually used to keep them from moving about. All incisions are made behind the ear so there are no visible scars after the operation. If the ears are protruding, they may be rotated back. If some of the natural folds are missing, they can be created. Missing or abnormal sections of the ear may be reconstructed from tissues taken from other parts of the ear or body. Ears that have been injured and are thickened can be thinned and sculpted. At the end of the operation, a pressure dressing is placed over the ear.
3. Where are the incisions made?
The incisions will generally be made in the most inconspicuous places, usually behind the ear or within the natural folds and curvatures of the ear structure. Some removal of cartilage may be necessary. Discuss with your doctor the incisions he plans to make for your desired results.
4.What should I expect postoperatively?
The pressure dressing is removed after 5 to 7 days. Children should be kept relatively quiet during that time. The dressing should not get wet. After the dressing is removed, a headband should be worn at night to protect the ears for several weeks. Normal nonstrenuous activity may be resumed 2 days after surgery. Routine exercise may begin at the end of the fourth postoperative week. Contact sports may be restarted at the end of the sixth postoperative week. The patient should refrain from bending over and should keep the head higher than the heart at all times. He or she should avoid sleeping on their side for 3 weeks.
5. Is otoplasty painful? Is there much swelling or bruising?
There is normally very little pain involved postoperatively. It takes about a week and a half after the procedure for most of the swelling to subside, although the area will be sensitive for about 3 weeks. There is really not much bruising in most cases, although that can vary from patient to patient.
6. When will I be able to see the results?
You shouldn't even peek at the ear for 5 to 7 days after surgery, or until after the pressure dressing is removed. Doing so could increase the chance of infection or alter the final results. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not attempt to remove the bandages unless he or she specifically instructs you to do so. After the dressings are removed, you will see an immediate difference in the ear. Even though there will be some residual swelling, the results are generally very satisfying to the patient.
7. What are the risks of otoplasty?
The risks of the operation are bleeding and infection. Both are exceedingly rare. With proper postoperative care, this is a very safe and satisfying operation that carries very little risk, beautiful results, and almost no discomfort from the operation itself. The patient should note that the ears will often feel numb for 2 to 3 months after the operation, with sensation returning slowly over that time. This numbness is the reason that there is generally no pain during the postoperative period, and which makes the operation exceptionally well-tolerated in children.