Otoplasty

Why opt for otoplasty

With otoplasty, we aim to place prominent ears in a new anatomical position, closer to the head and we can achieve a modification of their shape when this does not match the normal anatomy of the ear. Otoplasty also offers the ability to reduce the size of the ear as a whole or just the lobe (especially if stretched after a piercing).

It is very common for loose ears to be a cause of embarrassment and stress for both adults and children. This is one of the few cases where surgery is the only solution. However, this should only be done when the development of the ears is complete, which usually happens at the age of seven. Of course, there are some indications that the use of special splints in newborns’ ears can correct the problem without surgery.

Otoplasty in brief

Otoplasty as mentioned above is the only solution to problems regarding one or both ears. There is a variety of techniques available to achieve the desired result, but they are all based on the same principle – the incision is hidden behind the ear and from there the entire auricular cartilage is reshaped. Ear stabilization can be achieved either only with stitches or through a combination of stitches and excision of the cartilage. The technique that will be used will be discussed during your visit to our clinic after a complete clinical examination, in order to select the most optimal technique for you.

Incisions

In otoplasty, incisions are hidden behind the ears and show excellent healing. Rarely there may be an additional incision in the front of the ear; in this case, we always make sure it is indistinguishable. This depends on the individual problem of each patient. Although during the first weeks, scars are slightly pink, they then fade to white.

Medication

In our clinic, a complete medical history is always taken before each surgery. As a precaution, over-the-counter medicines or herbal products should not be taken before and for 3 days after surgery. It is also considered necessary to avoid taking non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (salospir), ibuprofen (Nurofen), diclofenac, and any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

Smoking

If you are a smoker you should try to stop smoking for at least 1 week before and 1 week after the surgery as this will dramatically reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and help achieve the best possible result.

Recovery from otoplasty

Duration of the procedure

The operation on both sides of the ears, depending on the technique used, takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. In most cases it is performed under local anesthesia, however, it can be performed under general anesthesia if the patient so wishes. The operation must be performed under general anesthesia in the case of children aged seven and over.

Hospitalization/Duration

Otoplasty is an operation performed within the framework of daycare. When performed under local anesthesia, which is the norm, you will immediately be discharged after surgery.

Wound dressing and suture removal

Immediately after the operation, incisions are covered with special bandages and sutures which are removed after seven to ten days. During the first two days, the patient’s head will be bandaged (with a bandage that looks like a turban). When this is removed it will be replaced by a special elastic band which will remain for the remaining 5 weeks and which intends to protect ears from any movement during sleep.

Post-op instructions

On day one you should ideally avoid any activity. You should not take care of small children or do household chores without help.

From day 2 to day 5 you can start exercising more, as for instance go walking for a longer period of time, go shopping, etc. If all wounds seem to have been healed by day 10, it is rather unlikely that you increasing your level of activity could cause any issues. You should only resume your activities if you feel healthy.

From day 5 to day 14 sutures will be removed and as of the second week most of the swelling will subside and bruises will fade away.

Absence from work

Although recovery time varies from patient to patient, patients should be given at least one week to recover. Most patients start feeling very comfortable from the very first-week post-surgery and, although they think they can return to work, we would suggest not to rush. During the first week, there will be some slight swelling and a few bruises, most of which will subside by the end of the second week.

Refraining from exercising

Patients are usually able to go brisk walking within three to five days and swimming in 10 to 14 days (if they have fully recovered). However, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four weeks, while sports that require physical contact (basketball, football, etc.) should be avoided for at least eight weeks.

Driving

Patients who have undergone breast reduction should ideally avoid driving until they are completely free of any discomfort or restriction, in order to be able to make a sudden movement, such as braking, freely and without any pain. This parameter is proposed so that patients can secure coverage from their insurance company in case of an accident. Thus, it may take up to two weeks for them to fully recover. There are of course patients who feel able to drive after 4-5 days, but always at their own risk.

Postoperative follow-up

Your wounds will be checked and the bandage will be changed and removed on the second-day post-surgery. Afterward, follow-up checks will be performed after three months, six months, and one year. However, if you need any clarification or there is something that worries you, doctors are always at your disposal. For these visits, there will of course be no extra charge for any follow-up related to your surgery.

Final outcome

The results of the procedure are immediately visible. However, during the first three months, it will continue to improve as the swelling will subside.

Possible complications of otoplasty

Otoplasty is a routine operation and is completely successful for the vast majority of our patients, which is a result of the large number of cases that doctors have in their belt. However, as with any surgery, it is very important to understand that there is a possibility of complications. Possible complications are listed below:

Recurrence of the problem

In about 6% of cases, with a higher incidence in adults and especially in men, the problem may recur, due to the fact that the cartilage has an internal “memory”, which constantly makes it tend to return to its original position and form. If this happens, the recurrence is usually partial rather than total.

Minor asymmetry

The operation can be performed on either one or both ears, depending on the patient’s problem. In any case, it should be noted that after surgery ears might be slightly different from one another.

Scars

The quality of scars varies among patients and for the majority of them it will be extremely good over time.

Wound disruption

Even though it is rather rare, if it occurred, it may lead to a delay in healing.

Hematoma

There is a very small chance of hematoma forming under the skin, which, if said hematoma is large enough, could result in the patient be brought back to the operating room for its removal. However, hematomas usually occur within the first 24 hours after surgery and affect about 1% of patients.

Inflammation

It is quite an uncommon phenomenon, but if it occurs, antibiotics will be required.

Alteration of the sensation

The sensation in the area of the ears is usually restored after a few weeks.

If you experience any symptoms that may worry you, please do not hesitate to contact us.