What a patient must know about Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is the cosmetic surgery for ears in which protruding, lop or prominent ears are treated. Prominent ears are a deformity for which many patients search for a treatment. This deformity affects one’s self-confidence and self-esteem along with several severe psychological effects. However, otoplasty is a cosmetic solution for these deformities.

Here are some major aspects that you need to know about this procedure –

Why it is performed?

Many people suffer from deformities in ears including protruding, cupped, lop and prominent ear. It can be mild or severe varying from case to case. Otoplasty is performed to make changes in the shape of ears. It can also change the position or size. Deformity is the main reason behind misshaped ears. An injury or birth defect can lead to deformity. Sometimes, a family history is also a reason for it. Many people go for it if they are not satisfied with the results of previous cosmetic procedure.

Is it only for adults?

This cosmetic procedure is both for children (of a certain age) and adults.

What is the minimum eligibility age for this treatment?

Children’s ears are developed 90% by the age of 4 to 5. One can go for this cosmetic procedure after this age. Many surgeons prescribe this surgery in the early age to avoid psychological effects, such as low self-confidence.

How it is performed?

Type of otoplasty depends on the anatomy of the deformity in patient. In young children, pinning surgery is performed. Usually, an incision is made from behind in the natural fold of ears. Surgeons remove cartilage to remold and reshape it to get the desired results. Surgeons may use different technique depending on the complication of a case.

Is it painful?

Otoplasty is a painless surgery. Still, surgeons use general anesthesia and local anesthesia for procedure.

How long does it take?

It takes almost 2 hours for surgeons to complete this cosmetic procedure.

Does it affect patient’s ability to hear?

It does not affect patient’s ability to hear.

What about scars?

Patients do not need to worry about scars as they will be hidden behind the natural folds.

The above-mentioned are the major aspects that you need to know about the otoplasty. If you or your loved one suffers from deformities in ears, then this is the surgery to go for.