Otoplasty is a surgical procedure of plastic and cosmetic surgery in which the surgeon corrects protruding ears to give the face a more harmonious appearance. The procedure can repair ears and possibly change the shape of the auricle (outer ear) by shaping the cartilage.
To correct protruding ears, parts of the ear cartilage are reshaped or possibly removed, as a result of which the ear is mechanically folded back and thus lies closer to the head.
In most cases, the modern thread method is used for the ears. There are different types, which differ minimally in the implementation.
Protruding ear correction is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization. General anesthesia is necessary in most cases only in children. In adults, the operation is also possible under local anesthesia.
Procedure of protruding ear correction
The correction of protruding ears takes place through the thread method via an incision at the back of the ears, at the transition from the head to the ear. From there, the ear cartilage is reshaped, held by means of threads in the new position and possibly reshaped or reduced. In this way, the ear can be brought into the desired position. The removal of ear cartilage is not always necessary to correct protruding ears. Often, it is sufficient to create special seams that reshape the cartilage and hold it in position. In addition, a change in the shape of the auricle (outer ear) by the removal of ear cartilage during surgery is possible.
At the end of the operation, the incisions are sutured and the patient receives a head bandage that is worn like a headband. This must remain for at least 10 days to protect the ears from external influences. After removing the sutures, which occurs about 10 days after the procedure, the patient should wear a special headband while sleeping for a few weeks. This prevents kinking of the ears.
Basically, the patient should be in a physically healthy condition to ensure a complication-free surgical and healing process.
Strongly protruding ears are usually a great emotional burden for those affected. They make the face appear inharmonious and are difficult to hide, particularly with short hair. Especially children suffer from hurtful comments by their classmates. Correction of protruding ears before school enrollment can prevent teasing. Of course, protruding ears can also be corrected in adulthood without complications.
Advantages of a correction of protruding ears
• Protruding ear correction is a standardized procedure
• Ear correction takes one to two hours
• The procedure does not require a hospital stay
• The recovery time is only a few days
These qualities are great advantages, especially for working people who cannot stay away from work for long.
Correction of protruding ears is a standard procedure of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Only complications that can occur with any surgery are possible with an ear correction. These include possible infections, which the doctor can counteract by the administration of antibiotics.
Slight swelling and bruising may occur, but are nothing to worry about and usually subside quickly. Slight sensory disturbances in the ears are quite normal and diminish after some time.
The costs vary depending on the complexity and size of the ears to be treated. Thus, it is not possible to set a general price for an the procedure. Since the prices vary depending on the findings, a cost plan can only be drawn up in a detailed consultation following appropriate preliminary examination.
