Otoplasty refers to ear reshaping surgery for aesthetic or cosemtic purposes. Oto means “ear” and plasty means “shaping” or “molding,” therefore the term is a portmanteau of these two concepts.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to enhance the ear’s aesthetics. This procedure is generally performed by an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon with a special interest in Facial Plastic Surgery. Your surgeon will typically have had specialised training in performing ear reshaping procedures. They will reshape and reposition the patient’s ears during the operation usually under general anaesthesia.
Otoplasty: What to Expect
Otoplasty, which is often done in an outpatient setting with general anesthesia, is a safe operation.
The incisions for an otoplasty are hidden behind the ear, and the procedure itself is performed behind the ear. When repairing a damaged earlobe, incisions and sutures will be made in both the front and rear of the ear. Any adjustments to the ear’s cartilage are accomplished through this cut. Sutures placed in the cartilage can help restore folds that have flattened out or disappeared entirely. Sutures are used to “pin” the ear in place after excess cartilage is removed. Also, Read More About – Pantoprazole Gastro Resistant Tablets IP Uses in Hindi
Types of Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty Procedures
Otoplasty or pinnaplasty ear surgery is an option for adults or children who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears.
Otoplasty – Techniques
To accomplish your desired enhancements and resolve any aesthetic concerns, your surgeon will make a little incision behind your ear. Local anesthesia is used during surgery. During a traditional otoplasty ear surgery, it is not uncommon to have to remove some cartilage, have sutures placed and have a minor scar on the back of the ear that will eventually disappear into the normal skin folds.
Another technique used is a cartilage scoring procedure. This is where the cartilage is weakened to reshape it and achieve an overall improvement in the ear shape. This can also be combined with sutures (stitches) or sometimes cartilage removal too.
Duration: the treatment might take between one and two hours to finish. Candidates in good health are generally better candidates for this procedure.
What to Do After Your Otoplasty Procedure?
First and foremost, remember that your otoplasty surgeon has given you particular aftercare recommendations because every patients circumstance is different. Before the operation, your ears will be examined thoroughly, and you’ll be given detailed instructions on what to expect. Usually you are fully asleep for the surgery (general anaesthetic). Unless you opt for local anaesthesia, which will keep you awake but numb your ears throughout the surgery.
It is imperative that you arrange for a ride home from a friend or family member, as grogginess and sleepiness are common following a general anaesthetic.
After your surgery, please follow these general aftercare instructions:
Keep your head bandage on
You will be Giving specific instructions on keeping your head bandage on for a certain period after having your surgery. the head bandage is kept in place to maintain pressure on the ears and reduce the chance of blood collecting under the skin. Generally the head bandage is removed by your surgeon after around 4-7 days. The head bandage can be a little itchy but it is usually well tolerated. You can go for walks with the head bandage on but you should try and keep it dry and if there are any problems with it please contact your surgeon.
Once the head bandage has been removed, you will be asked to wear a sports headband nightly. This is placed to help protect the ears and maintain the shape. you generally have to wear this for around 6 weeks following surgery. It can be helpful to have two or three of these ready-to-wear as you may need to wash them if they get dirty.
Comply with Prescribed Medication Use
Your otoplasty surgeon will recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to help you feel better after surgery. Set alarms to remind yourself to take the medication at the prescribed times. If you have increasing pain after surgery please contact your surgeon. You will also be given antibiotics which you should take to help smooth recovery. After the head bandage has been removed you may be asked to place some antibiotic ointment on the stitches behind the ear to help with the scar.
Eat Well and Stay Active
It goes without saying that eating well will help you heal after ear surgery more quickly and effectively. In order for your body to heal more quickly, it needs specific vitamins and minerals. You could have trouble chewing on tougher foods at first. If this is the case, you may find it easier to consume nutrient-rich smoothies or softer meals.
Put on Clothes That Are Easy To Remove
When healing from otoplasty, it’s best to wear button-down shirts or garments with an up-and-down zipper rather than having to pull them over your head, which might irritate or harm the incisions.
Don’t Play With Your Ears or Rub Them
No matter how irritating your headband or other headwear may become, you absolutely must refrain from scratching or rubbing your ears in any way. Please be aware of your surroundings and take every precaution to avoid grazing your ears on anything, since this can cause severe pain, discomfort, and irritation.
Get off the nicotine, if you haven’t already
If you haven’t already, you should stop smoking immediately; doing so can greatly improve your chances of a speedy recovery by allowing your blood and oxygen to circulate more freely throughout your body.
Final Results
You generally get a very good idea of what the years will look like immediately after the head bandages removed. It can however take a couple of weeks for the swelling to come down and any bruising to settle. Generally after 6-months your ears are relatively stable in terms of shape. You should still be careful with them however and avoid contact sport where possible.
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