Otoplasty Surgery- When it is performed?

Do you know what otoplasty is and why it requires surgical management?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery designed to permanently correct structural abnormalities of the ear. It is a procedure to reshape, resize, and reposition the ears without impacting or improving an individual’s ability to hear sounds. It provides aesthetic appeal to the face with improved ear appearance and improved self-confidence.

When is it performed?

According to Dr Parag Telang, an ear cosmetic surgeon in Mumbai, the otoplasty surgery might be considered to address the following:

• Protruding ear(s)- One or both ears sticking out far from the head.
• Oversized ear(s) or Macrotia- One or both ears are overly large and out of proportion to the head.
• Small, constricted ears or Microtia- The ears are smaller and not in proportion to the head or not fully developed.
• Mishappen ear(s) or earlobes- One or both ears or ear lobes are misshapen due to a traumatic injury or birth defect.

Types of Otoplasty

Depending upon what kind of correction is required, any one of the following types of otoplasty are performed:

• Ear pinning- This type of otoplasty is recommended by a plastic surgeon to bring the protruding/prominent ears closer to the sides of the head. It even reshapes the malformed ear cartilage.  
• Ear reduction- This type of otoplasty is reserved for people with oversized ears. In this operation, the surgeon removes extra tissues to make ears smaller. 
• Ear augmentation- This type of otoplasty is meant for people having a mishap, small, or microtia ear. In this surgery, the surgeon increases the outer ear portion to make the ear look larger and in proportion to the head. Usually, it involves the grafting of tissue or rib cartilage.

What to Expect from Otoplasty?

Before otoplasty

Otoplasty surgery can be performed in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital. The anesthesiologist may provide the patient with local anaesthesia that numbs the ear or sedation that renders the patient unconscious. Anaesthesia is provided to ensure the surgery is comfortable throughout.

During Otoplasty Surgery

The surgical technique used will vary based on the type of otoplasty. The surgeon determines the right technique for the patient and accordingly chooses the location of the surgical incisions and the resulting scars.

The general steps of the surgery are:

1. Making incision- The surgeon might either make a cut on the back of the ear or within the ear creases.
2. Adding or removing ear tissues- The extra cartilage and skin of the ear might be removed.
3. Reshaping of the ear- The cartilage of the ear is folded into proper positions and secured with internal sutures.
4. Closing incision- The skin incisions are closed with stitches.

The overall procedure typically lasts for about 2 hours.

After Otoplasty

Following otoplasty, the otoplasty surgeon in Mumbai will cover the operated ears of the patient with sterile bandages to provide the ear with added protection and support. The patient can expect to feel slight itching and discomfort and have ears likely to be red or swollen. A couple of days following otoplasty, the patient can get off their bandages. After the bandages are removed, the patient can see an immediate and permanent change in the ears’ appearance.

The patient should carefully follow aftercare instructions:

• Take pain-relieving medications to get relief from post-surgical discomfort.
• Avoid placing pressure on the ears or sleeping on the side of the operated ear.
• Do not rub the incision site or put excessive force on the ears.
• Wear shirts or tops with loose-fitting collars or buttoned shirts.
• Wear a loose headband to cover ears at night for a few weeks to avoid pulling forward of ears while rolling over in bed. 
• Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the operated ears.

Am I a suitable candidate for otoplasty?

The good candidates for otoplasty are:

• People who are at least 5-8 years old: By this age, children would be almost done growth of their auricles and have auricles 90% of their adult size. This is the earliest possible age recommended for children to have otoplasty, if necessary.
• Individuals who are aged under 66 years old: People aged above 65 years are usually unhealthy or don’t have a healthy lifestyle, so recovery is not smooth.
• Healthy people without any heart or lung issues: Health is crucial before otoplasty to ensure safe and effective use of anaesthesia.
• Non-smokers: Having nicotine in the system can elevate blood pressure and delay the healing of surgical wounds.
• People who hold realistic expectations about the procedure and results
• People who are willing and able to comply with all post-surgical instructions

Benefits of otoplasty surgery

• Correction of structural ear abnormalities
• Boost in self-confidence
• Safe surgery
• Lifetime results
• Nearly instant results
• Can be covered under Health Insurance.

Request an appointment today!

Do people make fun of your ear appearance? Don’t want to be conscious of how your ears look anymore? If so, you may be a good candidate for otoplasty surgery.

Would you like to learn more about otoplasty or go ahead with it? Contact Dr Parag Telang today at The Microtia Trust to schedule your initial consultation for this life-changing surgery that helps you enhance your aesthetics.