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Otoplasty
(Surgery for Prominent Ears) |
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INTRODUCTION:
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Our face is the first thing people visually notice about us. Our ears rarely attract attention when normal in size and relationship to other facial features. However, protruding, large or misshapen ears can detract from facial appearance. Children with prominent ears may suffer the ridicule of peers and a resulting lack of self-confidence.
If protruding ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery of the ear to correct this. Ear surgery is plastic surgery performed to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, or that becomes apparent or worse as your child develops.
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IS EAR SURGERY FOR YOU OR YOUR CHILD?
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Prominent ears in a child is often noticed shortly after birth. In these situation, sometimes ear molding can be instituted with some success. This is done by positioning the ear cartilage in its proper shape and holding it there with the use of headbands and certain dressings. This type of treatment is often successful in the very young child due to high level or circulating maternal estrogen which makes cartilage very pliable. These high levels of circulating estrogen often disappear by age of six months or so, and by this time, ear molding is no longer a very effective treatment modality in reshaping malformed ears.
Children with prominent ears do not notice them until they begin to get ridiculed by their peers, usually when they start school. It is at this time that many children express to their parents a concern about the shape of their ears. Surgery to correct protruding ears is usually done after age five for several reasons. This is usually the time when children's ear cartilage become stable enough, and the ear size becomes close enough to a normal adult ear that the surgery can be performed. This also happens to be about the time when children begin school and begin to notice their protruding ears, due to interaction with their peers.
Sometimes adults who have prominent ears but for whatever reason have not sought correction, decide to consider treatment so that their ears have better shape and are more harmonious with the rest of their face. Whether a child or an adult, patients who are healthy and good surgical candidates can look forward to a surgical treatment which is very efficacious at addressing their concern.
A consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step in the process. The consultation is designed to fully educate you in a non-pressured environment and includes several goals:
1. A discussion of your goals and the evaluation of your individual case
2. The options available to correct your or your child's ear condition
3. The prescribed course of treatment
4. The likely outcome of surgery and potential risks associated with any prescribed procedure
Prominent ears are usually the result of either loss of some of the folds seen in the normal ear (antihelix) which makes the ear appear prominent, excess amount or size of the cartilage which is located in the hollowed area next to the ear canal (concha) or a combination of both of these factors. Surgery of the prominent ear is tailored to address the causative factors. Sometimes sutures are utilized to recreate the folds that are not present, and sometimes excess cartilage is removed. A combination of techniques is sometimes required to adequately address the problem.
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UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY:
Although ear surgery to correct protruding ears can be performed with local anesthesia with or without sedation in adults, children usually require general anesthesia for the procedure. This surgery can be performed on an ambulatory basis in either a hospital, surgical facility or office operating room. |
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Surgical correction of protruding ears uses techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage. Usually through an incision in the skin behind the ear, internal, permanent sutures are placed to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place. Once the cartilage stitches are done, external "skin" stitches close the incision, which is not visualized due to its strategic location behind the folded ear. If conchal cartilage needs to be removed, this is sometimes done through an approach behind the ear (similar to the one described above) although some surgeons prefer to make a small incision in the front side of the ear just next to the hollow area adjacent to the ear canal. This incision usually heals beautifully and is not noticeable. |
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Once the surgery is completed, dressings are applied to cover the incisions and also to hold the new shape of the ear. These dressings are removed several days after the procedure. Drains are not commonly used for this type of procedure, but some surgeons might decide to use them in particular cases. If drains are needed, you will be instructed on their care.
Surgical techniques are individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural "pinned back" appearance. Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ear, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of hearing are removed.
Although complications with this type of surgery are relatively rare, there are always the possibility of slight asymmetries, under or over correction, or problems with bleeding or infections. Pain in one ear which is much more severe than the opposite side could be signal of excessive bleeding or hematoma (clot) formation. This condition needs to be treated promptly so it is imperative that the doctor is informed if such a situation develops. Relapse or recurrence of the prominent ears after surgery is also a possibility. This is usually due to breaking or snapping of one of the sutures and might require further surgical treatment to reshape the ear.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY:
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Bandages or dressings will be applied to keep the surgical site clean, protect it from trauma and to support the new position of the ear during initial healing. Before being released following surgery, you or an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that might include:
1. How to care for the surgical site
2. Keeping bandages or dressings intact
3. Medications to aid healing and to reduce the potential for infection
4. Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
5. When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.
A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as the day following surgery, as long as the ears are protected. Children should refrain from rough or aggressive play until healing is complete.
The dressing will be removed by your plastic surgeon 5 to 7 days following ear surgery. The surgical wound will be cleansed and any external stitches will be removed. You will be instructed on how to care for incision sites.
Healing will continue for several weeks and incision lines will slowly refine and fade. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
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THE NEW YOU:
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The outcome of surgery to correct protruding ears is present almost immediately. Children accept their improved appearance quite quickly and a positive change in self-esteem can rapidly develop. It may take several months for swelling to completely subside and incision lines to refine and fade. During this time, proper skin care and diligent sun protection are essential. In addition, the ears should be protected from extreme cold or injury. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in phases and feelings of fulfillment will increase as the ears assume their new shape. |
The information provided above is for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. A personal consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to gain information about your particular complaint, and about potential treatment options to address the same
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Address |
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South Miami
6200 Sunset Drive
Suite #402
South Miami, Fl 33143
T (305) 665-8730
F (305) 665-8736
South Beach
1000 5Th Street
Suite #402
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
T (305) 604-3216
F (305)-665-8736
Email: info@mosasurgery.com
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Patient Financing |
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| Mosa Medspa |
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| Procedure in 3D |
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