Otoplasty

Prominent ear causes social and psychological negativity, especially in childhood. Children who enter social environments such as nurseries, kindergartens and schools as they grow up may be exposed to brutal reactions and criticism due to the appearance of their ears. In adult individuals, being ridiculed in friendships may lead to exclusion, self-confidence and personality development problems; It may cause communication disorders and decreased self-esteem. At the same time, he may need otoplasty surgery for reasons such as getting rid of an appearance that can be perceived as a disadvantage in social situations, collecting his hair over his ears or having a short cut easily.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is the name given to the surgery performed to correct the appearance of the auricle. With otoplasty surgery, the extremely prominent auricle, which is also called prominent ear among the people, can be corrected, as well as the auricle that has not developed due to congenital or trauma-like reasons or the auricle can be reshaped.

When should an otoplasty be performed?

Since the ears complete their development at the age of 4-5, it is okay for children to undergo surgery from the age of 5. In adult individuals, prominent ear correction surgery can be performed easily (may vary from person to person) and there is no problem.

How is otoplasty performed?

There are many different surgical techniques for correcting the prominent ear. In children or young patients, shaping can be done with stitches because the cartilage is more flexible. In order to give the cartilage the desired shape, certain areas can be marked and folded, thinned and weakened, and if there is excess cartilage or soft tissue, it can be removed. Regardless of the technique used, an incision is made in the back of the ear fold. This incision is closed with appropriate suture materials selected considering the aesthetic result and durability. Since the incision is behind the ear, it is almost unremarkable. At the end of the surgery, the dressing is applied to apply a slight pressure on the newly formed auricle.

Postoperative

As with the surgical techniques, each surgeon may have different post-operative applications based on his own experience. Differences in practice do not mean that one method is better than another. However, the patient is usually seen on the first postoperative day and the dressing is changed or removed. There is usually no serious pain after the operation. A mild pain can be expected that can be controlled with painkillers. Headband is applied day and night for a week (may take two weeks depending on the patient's condition) For the next few weeks, the headband is asked to be worn only at night. Children can start school after a week, while adults can return to work earlier. Physical activity is restricted for 10-14 days, contact sports for at least two months. Follow-ups planned more frequently in the first postoperative days are usually repeated in the 3rd and 12th months. If the patient does not have the opportunity to meet with the surgeon face to face, a photograph can be checked at the 3rd and 12th months.

Complications and Problems

The risk of bleeding in every surgery is also valid here. But since there is no serious vessel in the ear, this bleeding may be in the form of blood accumulation, which we call "hematoma". The infection is a scary complication in the ear. Ear cartilage is hardly inflamed, but if it is inflamed, it can turn into a problem that progresses in speed and can disrupt the shape of the ear. It is stated that these bad possibilities are of course rare, even if they are possible, this surgery generally gives very good results and is an easy operation.