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G. Tsakonis

Morphe

Otoplasty

Otoplasty has immediate and highly impressive results. It is considered a relatively short procedure in plastic surgery, which can be performed under local anesthesia. With this method, we can reposition the ears and improve their shape. Protruding ears, also known as prominent ears, occur in both men and women due to the aplasia or hyperplasia of the helix, antihelix, or concha. These cases are divided into:

Auricular agenesis or Microtia – It is the congenital aplasia of the ear’s pinnate
Prominent lobes
Large concha in the ear flaps

The preparation for otoplasty

During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will take a detailed medical history. You should inform them about any past or current conditions, primarily ear infections. Additionally, you need to mention all medications you have recently taken or are currently taking, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Then, the doctor will perform an examination of your ears, during which they will check the size, shape, symmetry, and positioning.

Photos will be taken during the session that will be useful for your medical records. Please feel free to discuss with your plastic surgeon what you expect from the surgery. Explain to them the reasons you want to undergo otoplasty and how you believe you will look after the procedure. Be sure you understand all the potential risks, such as overcorrection. If you are sure you want to proceed with the process, the doctor will recommend some measures to prepare for the surgery.

Otoplasty – About the Procedure

We can proceed with otoplasty once the ears have fully developed. This means that the ideal age is around 10 years old. Otoplasty can be performed in an outpatient surgical unit or in a hospital. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedation, or in other cases, under general anesthesia. The surgery involves an incision of about 3-4 centimeters, which is made at the back of the ear to avoid being visible. In some relatively rare cases, the incision can also be made at the front of the ear to address specific issues. After the incision, we proceed with shaping the cartilage and place stitches to maintain it in the new desired position until it heals.

The duration of the procedure is approximately 1-3 hours. After the surgery, we cover the ears with special dressings and an elastic bandage for about three to five days, and there is no need for hospitalization. The entire process is done with a retroauricular approach, so the scars remain hidden in the natural fold. The stitches we use are absorbable by the body and will not require removal. The results are immediately visible and permanent, and it has been observed that they have a tremendous impact on the psychology of both adults and children, as it significantly helps improve their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Book an informational appointment and learn everything about ear plastic surgery / otoplasty!

Precautions & Potential Risks

It is essential to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin and herbal supplements, which may increase bleeding. Smoking is likely to slow down the healing process as it reduces blood flow to the skin. So, if you smoke, the surgeon will ask you to quit smoking before the surgery and during the recovery period. Furthermore, it is necessary to have arranged for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to stay with you the first night after the procedure.

Otoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks, some of which include:

Asymmetry in the positioning of the ears This could occur due to changes during the healing process.

Difference in skin sensation The repositioning of the ears during otoplasty may temporarily affect the skin sensation in the area. Very rarely are these changes permanent.

Overcorrection Unnatural contours that make the ears appear to be pinned back can be created by otoplasty.

Finally, there is a slight chance of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

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Recovery

The first few days after otoplasty will be accompanied by ears that are numb and may hurt slightly. You may have a slight sensation of tingling for the next few weeks. A bandage around your head in the first days after the procedure will protect you from the possibility of infection. It is advisable to avoid washing your hair around the ear area for a few days. Doctors recommend that you wear a headband at night to protect your ears during sleep. There may be slight bruising that will last about two weeks. Any pain or discomfort that may arise can be managed with pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

It is important to avoid activities during which there may be injury to the ears, such as certain martial arts. The stitches (if non-absorbable) and the bandage will be removed within 5-10 days after the surgery. After the second month, you will be able to bathe normally, and after the fourth month, there will be no problem with contact with the surgical area.

Complications for which you should notify your doctor

If you have a fever higher than 38.5 degrees Celsius that persists, despite increasing your fluid intake. A patient with a fever should consume at least 1 cup of fluid per hour.
If you have severe pain that is not relieved by medications prescribed by your doctor.
If you have significant redness in your ears or increased swelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty – FAQ

How long will I feel pain after the otoplasty surgery?

Discomfort is expected after the procedure. If the discomfort turns into pain and persists, then your doctor should be notified immediately. The normal period of discomfort is about 6 weeks.

Is ear plastic surgery considered a safe procedure?

All surgical procedures are safe, but they also carry risks. Possible complications of the surgery include infection, which is treated with antibiotics and, in rare cases, further surgery, or an allergic reaction to stitches.

How long should I wear bandages after otoplasty?

Most plastic surgeons recommend the use of a bandage for the first 10 days after the surgery. However, in most cases, these bandages are removed or loosened. It is common for the patient to express their dissatisfaction with the bandage as they have reduced hearing and feel itchy.

Is there relaxation in the ears after otoplasty surgery?

Many patients worry that their ears will return to their original state after surgery. There is no possibility that the ears will return to how they were before, but there will be a slight relaxation due to their natural growth.

How long does it take to recover after ear plastic surgery?

Usually, the patient can return to all their daily activities 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. However, it should be made clear that by daily activities, we do not mean anything that could cause impact to the ears. The patient must be very careful to avoid any issues during recovery. During this time, there will be some form of pain. The pain is manageable, and with the medications that your doctor will prescribe, it will be almost nonexistent.

How are protruding ears formed?

Prominent ears, or otherwise known as protruding ears, are caused by the inability to develop a certain fold of the ear’s helix. Thus, the folding of the ear does not occur correctly, leading to this specific problem. About 1 to 2% of the global population has prominent ears, and nearly all cases are due to heredity. People facing this issue have the option of otoplasty, as they can correct it for the rest of their lives!

Can someone surgically reduce the size of their ears?

If you feel that your ears are too large in proportion to your face, then there is a solution. Ear surgery is the procedure that can reduce the size of your ears! Your ears will no longer need to be hidden behind your hair!

Is it possible to correct protruding ears without surgery?

In the case where one of the two parents has protruding ears and you notice that the newborn has inherited this trait, you can intervene. During the first two months of the newborn’s life, special molds can be placed that can shape the ears to some extent. However, after this period, any kind of issue with the ears requires surgical intervention to be corrected.

Will I be able to sleep on my side after the otoplasty?

Your plastic surgeon will recommend that you sleep on your back for the first few days after the procedure. Sleeping on your side may cause postoperative discomfort.

What is important to avoid after ear plastic surgery?

Ear plastic surgery is a simple plastic surgical procedure. Nevertheless, it is a very important operation for your body and the necessary time required for you to fully recover must be allowed. Thus, it is important during this period not to lift heavy loads and not to exercise vigorously.

Can I undergo otoplasty again if I wish?

Yes, of course you can, it just needs a period of 6 months to a year to pass. If after one year you are dissatisfied with the results of the surgery, then a repeat procedure can be done. The second time you have surgery, there will be no further incisions, as the incision from the first surgery will be used.

Can plastic surgery on the ears affect hearing?

This procedure brings the ears closer to the head by shaping only the outer part of the ear. Since the middle or inner ear is not affected at all, there is no chance that hearing will be impacted.

As you grow older, do you tend to have more prominent ears?

It is well known that over the years the cartilage that holds the ear close to the head becomes more flexible. This does not mean in any way that when someone grows older they will have protruding ears. Heredity is what determines whether someone will face this issue.

When will I be able to wear earrings after ear surgery?

You should not wear any earrings during the first week after the surgery. Do not scratch or touch your ears for two weeks. Avoid any painful procedures.

How long will there be swelling in the ears after the surgery?

Usually, the swelling subsides after the 4th to 6th week. However, there are cases where the swelling in the patient’s ears can last for up to six months.

Can I pierce my ears after an otoplasty?

Plastic surgeons consider ear piercing safe as long as you allow a period of about two months after your procedure.

Will the incisions after ear surgery be visible?

The incisions are made behind the ear at a point where there is normally a natural crease. So the incisions are visible but not noticeable. Nobody will realize that you have had plastic surgery on your ears!

Will I be able to wear glasses after otoplasty?

As the glasses rest on your ears after the surgery, you will need to part with them for a while. While your ears are healing, you should not place anything on them, aside from the bandages recommended by your doctor. This healing period is not fixed, as each body reacts differently.

How long does it take for the final results of the procedure to become visible?

While it can take up to six months for all the swelling in your ears to go down, most patients see results within the first three months. Aesthetically, however, the difference is noticeable from the very first moment after your surgery.