The appearance of the ears can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Ears that are noticeably large, misshapen, or asymmetrical can attract unwanted attention and cause feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment.
This can lead to a negative self-image and a lack of confidence in social and professional situations.
What is otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty, or “ear surgery,” is a cosmetic operation used to resize, reposition, or alter the contour of the ears. Otoplasty aims to enhance the ear’s look and balance the face, which can boost a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
What can otoplasty surgery treat?
Otoplasty can treat an ear structural problem present at birth or that manifested over time. This treatment can also be used to treat injured ears that are malformed.
Who’s a good candidate for otoplasty?
Both adults and children can have the operation. Otoplasty addresses congenital ear malformations in children, such as large or prominent ears that protrude excessively or are asymmetrical.
Otoplasty is frequently carried out on adults to treat ear malformations that were not treated as children or to treat ear deformities that have grown over time.
Types of Otoplasty
Otoplasty comes in various types, each intended to correct a particular ear deformity. Otoplasty procedures that are among the most popular include:
Ear augmentation
Small or incompletely formed ears are possible in some persons. They might have otoplasty in these circumstances to enlarge their outer ear.
Ear pinning
Drawing the ears closer to the head is the goal of this kind of otoplasty. It is carried out on people whose ears protrude noticeably from the sides of their heads. The ear’s cartilage will be reshaped during surgery to reduce its prominence.
Ear reduction
You have macrotia if your ears are larger than usual. People with macrotia could get otoplasty surgery to make their ears smaller.
What are the advantages of otoplasty?
As people strive to enhance the look of their ears and increase their self-confidence, the treatment has grown in popularity in recent years.
The following are some of the major benefits of Otoplasty:
1. Prominent Ear Correction
Numerous ear abnormalities, such as prominent ears, big earlobes, asymmetrical ears, and more, can be corrected by otoplasty. In addition, the technique can restore equilibrium to the face and produce a more unified appearance by treating certain defects.
2. Improves Self-Confidence
The increase in self-confidence and self-esteem patients experience due to otoplasty is one of the biggest advantages. Following otoplasty, many patients report that their ears no longer take away from their appearance, giving them greater self-assurance and confidence.
3. Natural and Balanced Appearance
Otoplasty can balance the appearance of the face by correcting ear deformities that may be detracting from the overall look of the face. For example, when the ears are asymmetrical, misshapen, or overly prominent, they can create a visual imbalance that draws attention away from other facial features.
Otoplasty can correct these deformities by reshaping, resizing, or repositioning the ears to create a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
4. Permanent Results
Otoplasty offers permanent results. Once the ear cartilage has been reshaped, it will maintain its new shape permanently, providing long-lasting results.
5. Minimal Risks
Otoplasty has been carried out for many years and is a safe and efficient surgery. Plastic surgeons carry out the surgery with special training, and the outcomes are durable.
What’s the otoplasty procedure like?
Depending on the degree of the surgery and the patient’s preferences, an otoplasty treatment can take anywhere from two to three hours and be done under local or general anesthesia.
Before
You must meet with your plastic surgeon for a consultation before your treatment and perform the following:
Review of medical history.
Be ready to discuss any current or former medical conditions, prescriptions you are currently taking, previous operations, and surgeries you have had.
Examination.
Your plastic surgeon will inspect your ears to determine their size, position, and form. They might also capture images or measurements.
Discussion.
This includes discussing the operation itself, its dangers, and associated costs. Your plastic surgeon will also be interested in knowing what you hope to achieve from the treatment.
Questions.
If something needs clarification or more knowledge, feel free to ask questions. Asking about your surgeon’s credentials and years of expertise is also advised.
During The Procedure
To access the cartilage and modify it during the treatment, the surgeon will create an incision behind the earlobe or in the back of the ear. The ears are then bandaged to help protect them and lessen swelling when the incision is stitched.
After Recovery
Patients should anticipate some swelling and discomfort following surgery, which can be treated with painkillers. The bandages and sutures will normally be taken out over a few days to a week. Most people may return to work in a week and resume regular physical activities in three to four weeks.
Common Post Surgery Side Effects of Otoplasty
It’s vital to be aware of otoplasty’s potential risks and side effects, even though most patients only suffer mild to moderate side effects that go away in a few days or weeks.
- Pain and Discomfort
- Swelling and Bruising
- Numbness
- Scarring
What are the risks or precautions to be aware of?
Otoplasty can help to enhance the appearance of the ears. But before having an otoplasty, there are some risks and safety measures to take into account, just like with any surgical procedure.
Scarring
Following an otoplasty, scarring is a regular part of the healing process. The incisions are typically hidden behind the earlobe or in the back of the ear.
Asymmetry in-ear placement
Otoplasty-related uneven healing of the ears is a rare but potential complication. This may cause an asymmetry in where the ears are placed, which may need to be fixed with additional procedures.
Changes in skin sensation
After otoplasty, some patients may notice changes in their ear skin’s sensation. This typically results from nerve damage sustained during the procedure and goes away in a few months.
Allergic reaction
There is a potential risk of an allergic reaction to the materials used during otoplasty, such as the anesthetic, sutures, or tape. Patients should inform their plastic surgeons of any allergies prior to the procedure.
Problems with stitches
In some cases, the stitches used during otoplasty may come loose or become infected. This can result in scarring, additional pain, and a longer recovery period.
Overcorrection
A rare but potential consequence of otoplasty is overcorrection. The ear may be pinned too far back in some circumstances, giving the face an odd aspect. It might be necessary to perform additional procedures to undo overcorrection.
What is the success rate of otoplasty?
Otoplasty has a relatively high success rate in general, with many patients getting the outcomes they want. However, the plastic surgeon’s training and experience, the patient’s anatomy and medical background, and their expectations all play a role in how well the procedure goes.
Dr. Bret Johnson is the plastic surgeon you can trust with all his experiences, skills, and training.
Can you go deaf from otoplasty?
No, you cannot go deaf from otoplasty. Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is performed on the external ear and does not affect the inner ear or hearing.
There are no changes made to the internal structures of the ear during the procedure; rather, the ear cartilage and skin are reshaped to improve the appearance of the ears.
Is it worth getting otoplasty?
Otoplasty can offer a safe and effective way to restore the look of aging ears or fix a congenital abnormality, enhancing your facial appearance and boosting your self-confidence. So yes, it is worth it.
How do you sleep with otoplasty?
It’s crucial to adhere to your plastic surgeon’s aftercare recommendations, including recommended sleeping positions. For the first few days after the procedure, sleeping on your side may be uncomfortable; therefore, it is typically advised to sleep on your back.
Does insurance cover otoplasty?
The majority of insurance policies do not cover otoplasty because it is often regarded as a cosmetic operation.
There are a few exceptions, though. Insurance may cover the cost of the procedure if the patient has a medical condition like microtia, a congenital ear deformity, or hearing loss that affects the appearance of the ear. The operation is reimbursed by insurance in these situations because it is deemed medically necessary.
Before having an otoplasty, it’s crucial to get in touch with your insurance provider and go over your specific coverage.
Achieve Your Ideal Ear Shape with Dr. Bret A. Johnson, MD
In a nutshell, otoplasty is a quick, painless, and efficient cosmetic operation that can enhance the appearance of the ears and balance the face.
It’s crucial to speak with a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Bret Johnson if you’re thinking about getting an otoplasty to discuss your expectations and decide whether the treatment is appropriate for you.
