Otoplasty

Otoplasty refers to a variety of surgical procedures used to modify the outward appearance of the ears. An otoplasty is considered to be a cosmetic procedure but can be important for individuals who are self-conscious or lack confidence due to the appearance of their ears. Having an otoplasty is not expected to improve hearing ability.

Why people decide to have otoplasty

People may seek an otoplasty for a number of reasons. Approximately 20% of babies are born with a congenital ear deformity, ranging from a mild underdevelopment to a complete absence of the outer ear (the auricle) on one or both sides. Correcting some of these abnormalities can require taking tissue grafts from other parts of the body to reconstruct a new auricle.

One of the most common reasons for otoplasty is to pin back ears that the patient feels stick out too prominently from their head. In these cases, the otoplasty procedure is known as ear pinning. Also known as prominauris, prominent ears can be an inherited family trait.

Otoplasty can also be useful to reduce the size of ears that are too large (macrotia), too small, or asymmetrical to each other. Injuries or repeated trauma can also result in ear deformities, such as the well-known “cauliflower ear” often seen in wrestlers.

Although otoplasty can change the appearance of the external portion of the ear, including its shape, size, and position, it cannot change where the ear attaches to the head.

How otoplasty works

An otoplasty can be performed under either general or local anesthesia; general anesthesia (being “put to sleep”) may be a better option for young children.

As otoplasty refers to several different types of surgeries depending on the specific problem being corrected, the steps of the otoplasty procedure for a particular individual case can vary. In general, a surgical incision will need to be made around the ear, allowing the tissues to be removed, reshaped, to receive a graft of cartilage, or otherwise modified, depending on the goals of the surgery.

Recovery from otoplasty

The surgeon will provide instructions on how to make the recovery period as smooth as possible. This will most likely involve protecting the ear(s) with a clean, dry dressing, and avoiding anything that may disturb them as they heal, including wearing hats or beanies, pulling tight clothing over the head, or sleeping on the side of the treated ear.

During the otoplasty post-operative period, some tenderness on the operated ear, redness, swelling, and bruising is expected.

Risks associated with otoplasty

Otoplasty may not be suitable for everyone. This includes people who have an increased risk of poor wound healing, such as those with poorly managed diabetes or a blood clotting problem. Individuals who still participate in activities that expose the ear to trauma, like wrestling, are usually advised to wait until they retire from these activities before considering an otoplasty procedure.

Complications associated with otoplasty can be minimized by ensuring there are no reasons to avoid an otoplasty (contraindications) and by choosing a board-certified surgeon with experience in otoplasties. However, some complications can still occur out of the control of the surgeon, even if a patient has no obvious contraindications.

The main complication that happens soon after an otoplasty is a hematoma, which is when blood collects under the skin, forming a little bruised bump. Managing this hematoma promptly can help to avoid subsequent complications, including infection or tissue damage. Other complications during or after an otoplasty can include reacting to the anesthetic, infection (not related to a hematoma), prolonged soreness after the operation, or a temporary change in sensation around the ear.

The most common complication that occurs after the post-operative recovery period is dissatisfaction with the final outcome. In fact, being unhappy with the results after an otoplasty is one of the reasons some patients see another surgeon for a second procedure.

A number of surgical specialists are able to perform otoplasty, including otolaryngologists (ear, nose, throat surgeons), plastic surgeons, and oral/maxillofacial surgeons.

At Berger Henry ENT, our team of experts is can answer questions you may have regarding otoplasty and guide in the right direction.

Contact us today to schedule an otoplasty consultation.