Otoplasty
Probably no other
physical characteristic cries out for facial plastic
surgery more than protruding ears. Children, long the
victims of cruel nicknames like “Dumbo” or “Mickey
Mouse,” are the most likely candidates for otoplasty,
but this surgery can be performed at any age after the
ears have reached full size, usually around five to six
years of age. Even if the ears are only mildly
distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness
and poor adaptation to school. When it comes to
otoplasty, conventional wisdom is the earlier the
better.
Adults may also benefit
from this procedure, which improves self-esteem with
relative ease. Often, adults choose this surgery in
conjunction with other facial plastic surgical
procedures. Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears,
but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made
more symmetrical.
If you are wondering how
otoplasty can improve the way you look, you need to know
how otoplasty is performed and what you can expect from
this procedure. This pamphlet can address many of your
concerns.
Successful facial plastic
surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and
surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and
exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting
stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific
questions about your specific needs.
General good health and realistic expectations are
prerequisites. It is also important to understand the
surgery. Otoplasty will not alter hearing ability. What
is important for successful otoplasty is that the ears
be in proportion to the size and shape of the face and
head.
When considering
otoplasty, parents must be confident that they have
their child's best interests at heart. A positive
attitude toward the surgery is an important factor in
all facial plastic surgery, but it is especially
critical when the patient is a child or adolescent.
Adult candidates for
otoplasty should understand that the firmer cartilage of
fully developed ears does not provide the same molding
capacity as in children. A consultation with a facial
plastic surgeon can help parents decide what is best for
their child, not only aesthetically, but also
psychologically and physically. Timing is always an
important consideration. Having the procedure at a young
age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage
is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of
shaping; and secondly, the child will experience
psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.
Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of
paramount importance. During the consultation, the
surgeon will examine the structure of the ears and
discuss possibilities for correcting the problems. Even
if only one ear needs “pinning back,” surgery will
probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the most
natural, symmetrical appearance.
After the surgeon and
patient decide that otoplasty is indicated, your surgeon
will discuss the procedure. Following a thorough medical
history, your surgeon will explain the kind of
anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.
Typically, your surgeon will suggest a general
anesthesia for young patients and a local anesthetic
combined with a mild sedative for older children and
adults. Under normal conditions, otoplasty requires
approximately two hours.
Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in
the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head.
The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of
cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect.
In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage,
shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the
cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the
cartilage.
In other instances, the
surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using
stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place.
After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the
surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until
healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.
Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain for a few
days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort. If
you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep
patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you
cannot put any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are
sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired
position for two weeks after the surgery.
The risks are minimal.
There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after
healing. Because this scar is in a natural crease behind
the ear, the problem of visibility is inconsequential.
Anything unusual should be reported to the surgeon
immediately.
Facial plastic surgery
makes it possible to correct many facial flaws that can
often undermine one's self-confidence. By changing how
you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel
about yourself.
Insurance does not
generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic
reasons. Surgery to correct or improve birth defects or
traumatic injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in
part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with
the insurance carrier for information on the degree of
coverage.
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