Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Protruding ears appear to be a noticeable aesthetic defect, which might sometimes cause a serious psychological trauma in patients who suffered in the early years of their lives from being ridiculed by other children. For this reason this defect is desirably to be corrected as soon as possible to prevent potential communicative and psychological problems.

Otoplasty allows correction of the ear protrusion, remodeling the ear cartilage as well as partial or total reconstruction of the ear concha. Both adults and children can be candidates for this procedure. However children under 6 y.o. are not recommended to be operated on, because of ongoing active growth of the cartilaginous tissues of the ear.  

A plastic surgeon can reconstruct partially or totally missing or damaged ear concha. This type of a procedure is called «a reconstructive otoplasty» and is normally performed in two stages. Adults and older children are operated on under local anesthesia, while for younger children general anesthesia is used. A patient might be discharged within 2-3 hours postoperatively. However, a 24-hour hospital stay is generally recommended to avoid potential complications. 

During the first few days patients may experience edema formation, numbness as well as mild pain and discomfort. Dressings are initially changed at 2-3 days postoperatively. New dressings are applied for approximately 10 days. Sutures are removed in 8-10 days. During the first month patients should wear an elastic bandage through the night to prevent ears from folding over. Restrictions on strenuous physical activities can be lifted approximately in a month. An additional positive consequence of this procedure is, undoubtedly, a relief of patientss psychological tension. Both male and female patients report their satisfaction with newly open greater options to alter their hair styles.