General Description
Ear surgery usually fixes the so-called “flap ears” that cause an aesthetic complex in both children and adults. According to the 2019 ISAPS report, 13,615 surgeries of this type were performed in Mexico, making it one of the most demanded treatments.
What is an otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical operation whose purpose is to correct the position of the separated ears, bringing them closer to the head. It is also an intervention that can reduce the size of large ears. Prominent ears are the result of an anatomical defect. These anomalies can cause an ear without a central fold (lack of anthelix), detached from the skull, or with a detached lobe. There may be a combination of these causes, and in these cases, it is the entire ear that needs to be glued but also reshaped. Otoplasty allows the ears to be glued and correct the separation, it also achieves a remodeling of the cartilage that on many occasions has not developed or folded correctly. If necessary, some cartilage or the lobes can also be reshaped to change the shape of the ear in this way“. Aesthetic otoplasty is a centennial procedure and continues to be one of the most common surgical procedures in Plastic Surgery, as supported by an article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Study that also affirms that the optimal results of an aesthetic otoplasty are linked to the use of an integrated approach guided by known principles with the objectives of the patient.
How can I know if I am a candidate for otoplasty?
An otoplasty can be performed on women or men who have prominent ears and this causes a complex. Puff ears are often ridiculed and are more of a problem for men, who can hardly hide them with short hair. Young people at the age of 20 are usually the ones who perform this surgery the most. The ears reach their final size at the age of 7 years. It is from this age that an intervention can be done because the shape and size of the ears will not change. Most of the patients are children, when they are corrected at an early age teasing is avoided and therefore, a good self-esteem is preserved. Most plastic surgeons recommend that parents observe their children's behavior regarding their ears. Don't push the issue before the child wants it, and don't talk to him about this intervention if she hasn't said anything about her ears. Children who are self-conscious and have been teased by their peers will be the ones who will take the first step and talk to their parents about it. They are also the most cooperative during the intervention and are the most satisfied with the result.
How is the postoperative treatment?
The patient leaves the consultation with a bandage around the ears that will be removed the next day. The first few days, the ears are bruised and may show signs of edema, these signs disappear after about a week. The patient should avoid sleeping on their side for the first two weeks and wear a lighter elastic band or headband to prevent the ear from bending and the internal stitches from loosening. “The patient must wear an elastic band during the first week of the intervention to avoid possible unexpected blows and facilitate the new position of their ears. Afterwards, he will only have to wear it to sleep for 2 more weeks”. The ears will be most sensitive to changes in temperature during the first two months, as they can become warmer and redder. You should avoid the sun and wear glasses until sensitivity is normal. This usually happens between the first and second month. "It is normal for the scar area to be red during the first weeks and it may even feel hard to the touch, so the massages indicated by the surgeon should be performed for proper healing." In most cases there will be a minimal scar, hidden behind the ear. However, the final scar can be assessed after 6 to 12 months and is dependent on the surgeon's incision, achievement of stitches, and respect for postoperative care. Recovery is very quick and the postoperative period is easily tolerated because it is a painless procedure. Most patients can resume normal activity after a week. It is recommended to avoid constantly looking in the mirror, bruises and swelling need several days before disappearing.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Otoplasty
The risks or complications of ear surgery are those of any other surgical procedure. There may be pain that will be treated with pain relievers, bruising is common, and loss of sensation in the ear will return later. Complications related to ear surgery are not frequent, they are mentioned below:
- Bruising and Swelling: Swelling and bruising are common, they usually go away over a few days. One ear may appear more swollen than the other, giving it an asymmetrical appearance that also resolves in most cases.
- Irregularities: these are normal in the immediate postoperative period, until the skin adapts to the new cartilage shape. There may be an area where the internal points are marked as if it were a whitish area.
- Asymmetry: small asymmetries are normal because they are usually not the same before the intervention.
- Infection: it is a rare complication. If this happens, preventive antibiotic treatment will be administered.
- Detachment: After a while, one of the points may become loose and the ear may be partially unfolded. This problem can be resolved by placing the ear under local anesthesia, which may result in additional cost.
What are the results?
The new shape of the ears, previously separated, is distinguished as soon as the bandage is removed. The final result is obtained between 6 and 12 months, when the inflammation is completely eliminated. The psychological benefits are usually immediate, improving the person's self-esteem and social relationships. It is important for the patient to work with their doctor to set realistic goals for the appearance of their ears. You must bear in mind that it is normal to find small asymmetries after the operation because it is practically impossible to make two ears completely the same.
Frequently asked questions
- From what age can children have ear surgery? From 6-8 years old because that is when they start the second school cycle to avoid possible traumas and bad experiences. At this age the ears have already developed reaching practically their final size.
- How long will I be off? Everything will depend on your work. If you work with the public, you must be off work for a week, while if not, you can go to work in 2 days.
- How is the scar? The scar is made in the back of the ear and will be hidden in the back crease and will be imperceptible over the months, even in patients who wear short or tied hair.
- How long does the intervention last? The approximate duration per ear is 1 hour, so in the event that the otoplasty is bilateral, the estimated time is 2 hours.
- What is otoplasty without surgery? A metal implant called an earFold is placed under the skin that bends the cartilage. In this way, the ears are glued.
Prices:
- Otoplasty (Operating Room)
$2,000 dlls
Do you need more information or schedule an appointment?
Click on this link https://walink.co/9587ef