What is Otoplasty?
One of the most common deformities in the face area is the prominent ear problem. Prominent ear, which is caused by insufficient development of the cartilage tissue in the ear or its angular anomaly, can be visually disturbing , although it is not a condition that affects body health. Therefore, the need to eliminate the prominent ear problem arises mostly with aesthetic concerns. It should not be forgotten that every detail that creates dissatisfaction in people visually has a counterpart in Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The prominent ear problem generally occurs in both ears. It can be said that this situation, which can be seen in both women and men, is more troublesome for men. Because women have the freedom to camouflage the visual defect in their ears with their hair. But men are unlikely to hide this problem with short hair. Prominent ear appearance is an aesthetic problem that has the potential to create an agenda as a source of unhappiness in all stages of life such as childhood, adolescence, youth and adulthood. Although there are surgical and non-surgical solution options for Otoplasty , it is possible to reach a more effective and precise solution to this problem with surgical methods. Prominent ear surgeries and aesthetic applications, which can be performed without problems with very simple techniques in today’s technology, can be permanently treated and cease to be a visual problem forever, as long as they are performed in hospital conditions and by experienced plastic surgeons.
How is Otoplasty Performed?
With Otoplasty, it is aimed to eliminate visual impairment by changing the shape and position of the ears. In general, although there is a perception that it is a difficult surgery, it is a relatively non-challenging procedure. However, since it will be performed by surgical methods, it requires a good procedure planning. In the first examination, the general health status of the patient, age, ear structure, whether there is a health problem that will prevent the surgery, etc., and the technique to be performed is decided. The type of anesthesia is determined by the age and general health of the patient. In ear aesthetic surgeries, which can be performed under general anesthesia and local anesthesia, it is considered appropriate to generally put pediatric patients to surgery. The surgery, which can take an average of 1 to 1.5 hours, is performed by making small incisions behind the ear and is completed by repositioning the ear backwards. Since the incisions are made behind the ear in prominent ear surgery, scars do not cause visual discomfort.
What is the Recovery Process After Otoplasty?
After the Otoplasty performed surgically, patients are generally discharged on the same day. However, in surgeries performed under general anesthesia, hospitalization may be requested as a precaution if the doctor deems it necessary . Although mild pain may occur during the post-operative recovery period, it can be controlled with simple painkillers. It is normal to develop edema and redness after the operation and it is expected to subside within 1 week. After the surgery, a band should be worn for 2 weeks to allow the ear to get used to its new position. The patient can return to his daily life after 1 week. It is necessary to wait 5 days for the first shower after the surgery. While dressing or undressing, it is necessary to stay away from clothes that may come into contact with the ear area. To prevent the risk of infection, the back of the ear should be kept dry and clean, and prescribed antibiotics and creams should be used regularly.
Specialist Doctors
Medical Branch
Succesful Operation
Other Details About Otoplasty
It is a matter of curiosity whether the timing of surgery related to Otoplasty is important. Prominent ear surgeries are suitable for all age groups, provided that the cartilage development is completed. Considering that the ear generally completes its development by the age of 6, it increases the possibility of an application that can be done during the semester break for children who have prominent ear problems, starting from primary school age. We can say that in prominent ear surgeries performed with classical methods, if the patient complies with the post-operative procedures, the surgery offers a solution and reduces the possibility of recurrence of this problem.
One of the options that has come to the fore in recent years for the solution of the prominent ear problem is otoplasty with thread with the advantage of being incisionless . This method, which can be performed in a short time under local anesthesia, has the advantage of time in terms of operation time and recovery period. After the procedure, the patient does not need a recovery period to return to his daily life. However , it should not be forgotten that the band that is put on after prominent ear surgery should also be worn after prominent ear surgery with thread. When we compare Otoplasty with thread and surgical otoplasty, we observe that the probability of the ears to be restored is higher in Otoplasty with thread.