Otoplasty is popularly known as cosmetic ear surgery. It is a surgical
procedure done to change the position, size, and shape of the ears. An
individual who noticed that his/her ears stick out from the head, he/she would
be bothered to have the surgery. Once you experience mishap and got the ear or
ears injured or birth defect. Indeed, if you have such ear problems since birth
as mentioned, you have all the chance to undergo ear corrective surgery. For those who have been asking if the
surgery can be for all ages, then it is no. For those planning to undergo the
surgery, it is only for age who have reached its full size. The ears usually
have their full size after age 5. But, some cases tales the surgery as easy as
age 3.
Otoplasty is also known as pinnaplasty. This kind of cosmetic ear
surgery is safe. Most of the patients who have undergone the procedure are
satisfied with the results. Pinnaplasty is also done by pinning back the ears.
This kind of procedure is usually done on teenagers and children, even adults
also have it done. Ear pinning is not suitable for 5 years old. The ears of a
5-year old kid are still developing and growing. The ear cartilage is still so soft
at a very young age. So, it can't hold the stitches.
What
does the surgery involve?
What will happen during the surgical procedure? It depends on the
surgery type you had undergone. Otoplasty on an adult or older child can be
done with anaesthetic. The procedure involves the following:
1.
A small
cut is done behind the ear for exposing the ear cartilage.
2.
If
necessary, small pieces of cartilage will be removed.
3.
Putting
stitches behind the ear for reshaping or positioning it closer to the head.
Otoplasty takes 1 - 2 hours. If anesthetic is used, you can go home on
the same day of the surgery. A bandage around the head helps the ears protected
from infection and heals in the new position.
How
is the surgical preparation done?
A patient needs to be prepared, a consultation for otoplasty is very
important. A patient must have a consultation first before taking the surgery.
You can never go to a cosmetic ear surgical center and instantly do the
surgery. Still, a consultation will be the first step when planning for the
said surgery to take. Take a visit to a plastic surgeon to talk about ear
corrective surgery. At the first visit, the surgeon will do the following:
1.
Check medical history. The surgeon will ask about past and current
medical conditions that you must answer especially an ear infection. Tell the
surgeon about the medications you are taking or you have recently undergone any
surgeries.
2.
Physical examination. The surgeon examines the ears to determine
treatment options for the size, shape, symmetry, and placement. As for your
medical record, the doctor will take pictures of the ears for the medical
records.
3.
Discussion. Expectations of the surgery are very important to talk about. The
patient needs to explain why she/he wants otoplasty. What a patient hopes
regarding the appearance of the ears after the surgery.
Now, if you are a patient that needs the surgery, visit a surgeon for
a consultation.
