The aesthetic appearance of a person depends on several key points, including the harmony between the different facial features in terms of size, shape, and correct position. Therefore, each feature complements the other, so any defect in those features or any deviation from their natural appearance can cause a problem in the overall appearance and may affect the person's beauty and attractiveness. One of the most important of these features is the ear.
The ear is a very important feature, not only in terms of its function but also in terms of its impact on facial beauty and making it look natural. Although it is not located in the center of the face like the nose or the eyes, it is of great importance, and its beauty and size must be maintained in proportion to the dimensions of the face.
What is the goal of otoplasty?
The goal of otoplasty is to correct any defects related to the ear, whether they are congenital defects, deformities, or defects resulting from a specific trauma or injury. Some people are born with problems in their ears, such as an oversized earlobe or a deformity in the ear, and this deformity can cause a psychological problem for the patient due to its impact on the overall appearance. In such cases, the solution is plastic ear surgery, in which congenital deformities are corrected, and the ear cartilage is adjusted by straightening it.
Ear plastic surgery is also called otoplasty, and it is a surgical procedure that is performed to change the shape of the ear or adjust its position. Ear protrusion can cause significant discomfort for some people, and plastic surgery can be necessary to reduce it.
What are the cases that require otoplasty?
Some cases require surgical intervention for cosmetic purposes, such as:
• Oversized ears that do not match the head's size and shape.
• Cases of protruding ears, also known as bat ears, can cause significant discomfort for children and be a source of bullying.
• Cases of congenital deformities with which the child is born and it is due to genetic problems.
• Cases of injury or exposure to a specific accident that affects the ear.
• In cases where the ear is not in the correct position or one ear is positioned differently from the other.
How does the doctor perform otoplasty?
After completing the anesthesia stage, which is usually general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the back of the ear or the folds of the back of the ear. The surgical approach varies depending on the case and the desired modification. The surgeon determines the precise location of the incisions before the surgery.
After making the surgical incisions, the surgeon adjusts the cartilage and removes excess skin. Then, the cartilage is secured in the correct position using internal stitches, and the incisions are closed with cosmetic stitches. A bandage is applied to the incision site.
The procedure usually takes about 2 hours to complete the otoplasty, and the patient can leave after a short period. The results of otoplasty are immediate, as the patient can notice the difference in appearance immediately after the surgery.
What is the appropriate age for otoplasty?
This procedure can be performed on children at the appropriate age of 5 years, when the ear cartilage has fully grown. Protruding ears are common in many children, and because they can cause many problems and discomfort, otoplasty is performed to remove excess cartilage and skin and reduce the distance between the head and the ear, resulting in an improved overall appearance.
Non-surgical solutions can be used to beautify the ear, but in certain cases, such as discovering the problem in a child before the age of 6 months, when the ear cartilage is very soft, it can be shaped and modified easily, where a splint is placed on the ear to ensure that the ear cartilage grows in the correct direction and position.
Tips after the surgery:
• A bandage is applied to the wound to protect it from contamination and shock that may reopen it. The patient may experience pain and itching at the wound site, and the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the pain. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the doctor's instructions and take the prescribed medication dose at the specified times.
• Avoid sleeping on your sides to reduce pressure on the ear, and wear an ear protector to protect it from shocks or bruises.
• Avoid exposure to water to prevent any contamination or bacterial growth. It is also preferable to take antibiotics prescribed by the doctor to protect the wound from contamination or infection.
There are some precautions that you should consider before undergoing the surgery, including:
• If you are taking certain medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, you should notify your doctor, as you should avoid taking those medications before the surgery for a certain period as they increase the risk of bleeding.
• Excessive tension and anxiety about the surgery increase the risks, so it is preferable to relieve psychological stress as the surgery is considered a simple procedure with no severe complications.
• If you are a smoker, you should avoid smoking before and after the surgery for at least 2 weeks, as smoking delays wound healing.
