Correction of protruding ears (Otoplasty) is a very common surgery for both children and adults. When deciding to undergo the procedure, a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary, during which the doctor evaluates the condition of the patient's ears, their mental state, and motivation for the surgery. If the patient decides to undergo the procedure after the consultation, the doctor will inform them in detail about the course of the surgery, as well as postoperative instructions and their necessary adherence.
The procedure is most often performed after the 5th year of a child's life, but their cooperation is required. The reason for surgery in a child is to protect them from the psycho-emotional stress caused by reactions from their surroundings. However, the procedure can be performed at any age, even in adulthood. There is practically no upper age limit.
The goal of the surgery is to permanently bring the protruding ears closer to the head, or to correct their shape.
A crescent-shaped incision is made in the back of the ear, the cartilage is thinned, and stitches are used to bring it closer to the head.
Basic Information
- The surgery is performed under local anesthesia
- The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours
- The patient goes home after the surgery
- Preoperative hair cutting is not necessary
- The postoperative scar located on the back of the ear is initially pink and hard, but later, after it matures, it fades, softens, and becomes almost invisible
- Postoperative pain may occur, especially in the first few days after the procedure, which can be alleviated by using analgesics - painkillers
- Postoperative care involves wearing a fixation bandage on the head all day. The ear must be attached to the head for a period of 3 weeks, and then it is necessary to wear a headband during sleep for about a month