Hi readers Specialist’s Hospital is back with yet another read that will help you know more & explore about otoplasty.

With the help of this read, we’ll be sharing some of the details on the topics like –

  • What is Otoplasty?
  • What is the aim or purpose of Otoplasty?
  • Reasons for having prominent ears.
  • Techniques for reducing the prominence of the ears
  • The recovery.
  • The possible complications.

We hope by the end of this read you’ll have a better understanding of the topic – Otoplasty.

So, without any delay let’s get started with our blog.

What is Otoplasty?

The surgical reshaping of the pinna or outer ear is termed as Otoplasty.

What is the aim or purpose of Otoplasty?

The prime aim or the purpose of Otoplasty is to help in correcting or in improving the appearance of the ear.

People with prominent ears always suffer embarrassment and psychological distress. In fact according to a research survey –

People having a prominent ears generally can develop low self-esteem, isolation, and lack confidence.

Reasons for having prominent ears –

  • The most common reason is genetic.
  • It’s not necessary that prominent ears run in families, but it can also occur randomly.

Techniques for reducing the prominence of the ears –

    • Ear moulding or splinting – The procedure is very much simple & is best applicable for infants within the first few weeks of life as the cartilage in the ears is at its softest condition.

The surgeon uses a splint to reshape the soft cartilage. The splint supports the ear and keeps it in the new position.

  • Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to make the ears less prominent so as to make the face more attractive. This applies for both child & adult. Carried out in using an anaesthetic. For the child, it’s a general anaesthetic & for adults, it’s a local anaesthetic.

The recovery –

The recovery generally depends on the type of surgery that the person undergoes. The dressing applied in the ears will remain in place for several days. The patient may need to wear a protective headband during the night time for a few weeks.

  • Will be able to wash their hair after about 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Travelling can be done at any time.
  • For students, they can return to school after 1-2 weeks

However, it’s always good to check with the doctor before returning it to normal day-day activity.

The Possible complications –

  • Infection – There is always a small risk of infection after the surgery however the antibiotics can help you prevent further complications.
  • Bruising – It can appear in 1-3 days after the surgery. A blood clot can form under the skin of the ear.
  • Recurrence – In some cases, there is a chance that the ears stick out again & may result in revision surgery.
  • The results can be unsatisfactory – The results of a reconstructive or cosmetic surgery are not always what the user expects. The ears may be asymmetrical, too close or too far from the head.
  • Numbness – There are chances of ears being for several weeks following the surgery.

We hope the above reads help you to understand more about Otoplasty.
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