Ear Correction - Otoplasty

Ear correction is one of the oldest cosmetic procedures, with a history dating back to the late 19th century and can be performed on children and adults who feel that their lives are negatively affected by the appearance of their ears.

Otoplasty is a plastic surgery that corrects the shape of the ears and resets protruding ears so that they come closer to the head. This procedure is usually bilateral and be performed in both ears, but can also be unilateral if only one of the ears is affected, resulting in a disturbing asymmetry. During the surgery, part of the skin is removed and the cartilage behind the ears is reshaped. The ears are then sutured into the new position, with the incision marks cleverly hidden in the natural fold behind the ear. Otoplasty is an esthetic procedure that has no functional effect on hearing.

It is known to increase self-confidence, self-esteem, and allows to wear a wider range of hairstyles. An ear correction recovers very quickly and results are permanent and immediately visible. The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia for adults depending on the patient's tolerance and the doctor’s opinion, but for children, generally anesthesia tends to be the best option.

Secondary effects, what to expect?

The scars, though permanent, are likely to be hidden behind the ears or in the folds of the ears, also asymmetry may occur as a result of changes during the healing process. During otoplasty, the repositioning of your ears may temporarily affect skin sensation in the area, but this is rarely permanent.

Allergic reaction and inflammation may be happen if the sutures used to hold the ear in place come to the surface of the skin and need to be removed with an additional procedure. Overcorrection during otoplasty can create unnatural contours that make the ears appear as if they are pinched back.

In addition, surgery may not successfully correct a pre-existing asymmetry.

Before The Procedure

Before the operation the necessary medical examinations will be made.

Day D- 30

Smoking cessation is strongly recommended as it delays wound healing and may prolong the overall postoperative recovery time. Patients must also stop smoking after the surgery as cigarettes cause the fat cells to die faster and slow the healing time. Contraceptives must be stopped.

Stop taking all diet pills at least 2 weeks before. They can cause complications related to blood pressure, blood clotting, heart rate and breathing.
Do not take any medications without your doctor's permission.

Day D - 10

Aspirin, herbal teas, vitamins and blood thinners should no longer be taken as they can affect blood clotting.

Day D – 2

Please do not drink alcohol 48 hours prior to surgery. Please remove your nail polish as oxygen levels can be measured on your nails.

- 8 Hours

Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Prefer clothes that do not have to be pulled over your head (button-down pants, zip-up shirts, sweatpants, etc.)

The night before surgery, we recommend that you wash your hair.

Take off your contact lenses, jewelry and wigs before the operation.

Treatment Details

Surgical Scar	The scars, though permanent, are likely to be hidden behind the ears or in the folds of the ears.
Duration	+ 2 Hours
Type Of Anesthesia	General anesthesia or Local anesthesia
Risk	Adverse reaction to anesthesia. itching Pain or discomfort Asymmetry in the placement of the ears. This may occur as a result of changes during the healing process. In addition, surgery may not successfully correct a pre-existing asymmetry. Changes in skin sensation. Allergic reaction. Inflammation. Overcorrection. Otoplasty can create unnatural contours that make the ears appear as if they are pinched back.
Side Effect	Bruising Swelling Pain Allergic reaction
Recovery Time	The healing processes take place in the following period: - 4 to 6 weeks Bruising and swelling are usually gone - 2 to 3 months the appearance continue to improves - 12 months healing is completed Most people feel ready to go back out in public and work after about 10 to 14 days. Patients usually experience very little pain and require only occasional over-the-counter pain relievers. The stitches usually dissolve within 10 days.

After The Operation

After surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication. You may experience some pain or discomfort, swelling, and bruising. This is all normal. Take pain medications as recommended by your doctor.

After otoplasty, your ears will be covered with bandages for protection and support.

To relieve pressure from your ears, do not sleep on your side. Also, try not to rub or put excessive pressure on the incisions. Consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose-fitting collars.

A few days after your otoplasty, your doctor will remove the bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red. You may need to wear a loose-fitting headband to cover your ears day and night minimum 2 weeks and minimum 6 weeks at night. This will prevent you from pulling your ears forward when you turn over in bed. Your stitches will dissolve on their own.