Otoplasty: Everything You Need to Know

Otoplasty is the surgical procedure performed on the ears, aimed at correcting their shape, position, or size. With this operation, the aesthetic problems resulting from the shape of the ears are treated. The operation is performed on the ears’ outer part, the so-called auricle or pinna.

The auricle consists of folds of cartilaginous tissue covered by skin. Its development begins before birth and continues into early childhood. If the development of the auricle does not meet the anatomical standards of the ear, then we can proceed to the remodeling of the ear cartilage with the surgery of otoplasty.

Prominent ears or, according to the scientific terminology, ‘protruding ears’, are one of the most common genetic facial deformities (about 5% of the general population). We find it in both boys and girls, while the problem it causes is purely aesthetic. Consequently, on many occasions, a child with prominent ears feels disadvantaged in terms of their appearance, and, if this is not corrected early enough, it may significantly affect their self-confidence and probably their daily life in the future. In fact, oftentimes these children become the object of tactless teasing at school and in parties, which can significantly affect their emotional state.

In which cases is Otoplasty performed?

Otoplasty is usually performed in cases where one or both ears:

• Protrude from the head
• Are larger or smaller than normal
• Have an unusual shape due to injury, accident, or structural deformity from birth

The main goals of the operation are:

• Increasing the size of the ears, if they are too small or not fully developed (microtia).
• Fixing the ears, if they protrude from the head.
• Reducing the size of the ears, if they are too big (macrotia).

Suitable candidates are those who:

• Are at least 5 years old. At this age the auricle has reached 90% of its final size, according to published medical studies.
• Are not comfortable with the appearance of their ears.
• May not have been content with the results of a first corrective surgery.

What is the procedure during Otoplasty?

Before the operation, it is very important to discuss your expectations and wishes regarding the final result with the surgeon. The surgeon will assess the size, shape and position of your ears and explain the procedure that will be performed in your case. Do not hesitate to ask questions if something is not clear to you or if you feel you need further information. A qualified ENT-surgeon can respond to all your queries and dispel any doubts.

The otoplastic surgery takes place in organized nursing centers, usually without requiring an overnight stay. The duration of the procedure is usually between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the characteristics of the ear and the complexity of the operation. The main goal in corrective ear surgery is to achieve a flawless result that satisfies the patient.

In adults and teenagers, it is possible to do local anesthesia and sedation, while in children aged 5-13 years general anesthesia is recommended.

Otoplasty techniques are divided into those that cut the cartilage (cartilage-splitting/cutting techniques) and those that preserve and shape the cartilage (cartilage-sparing techniques).

In brief, the operation includes:

1. 1.A thin invisible incision in the skin behind the ear
2. 2.The formation of the ear cartilage and its folds with the placement of special sutures as well as the case-by-case controlled removal of thin cartilage parts
3. 3.Suturing it in a way that ensures the concealment of any scar

After Otoplasty

At the end of the otoplasty, a bandage is placed on the head to stabilize the result. The bandage is removed after 24 hours. Post-operative pain is minimal. The sutures are removed 7 days after the operation. Nevertheless, most of the times the sutures used are absorbable and therefore do not require removal. The patient will have to wear a band for 15 days, which can be obtained from a sporting gear store. Its role is to hold the auricles in place until healing is complete. The results of the surgery on prominent ears can already be seen immediately after the removal of the bandages that support them. In more extensive operations the result will be seen gradually over time when the swelling subsides.

In short, we need to mention that for some time after otoplasty it is important to avoid: μετά την ωτοπλαστική είναι σημαντικό να αποφεύγονται:

• intense touching or scratching of the ears
• sleeping on either side
• tight clothes that come off the head, prefer clothes with buttons or zips
• the use of headsets or helmets
• intense exposure of surgical incision sites to sunlight or solarium

Following the instructions you will receive from the surgeon is the key to the success of the operation. Before leaving the clinic, the patient will receive detailed instructions on what to watch out for after the operation. The doctor will always be available to respond to any question either by phone or in person.

The experience of a specialized ENT-surgeon and the comfort you will feel with them are important means of achieving your common goal. This is none other than an excellent post-operative result that fully satisfies both.