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PLASTIC SURGERY OF THE EARS, OTOPLASTY
Prominent ears may be a source of embarrassment and anguish for many people, especially children (Example). In the last two decades, psychologists as well as surgical practitioners have realized the importance of performing an operation for those young patients who have been taunted by outstanding ears. Otoplasty, or the lay term ear pinning, is an operation performed to change shape and contour of the ears. Ear growth is almost complete between the ages five and six, and this is an ideal age to perform the operation. It is best to advise children with severely protruding ears to have this procedure done before they start school.
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A Solution for a Very Common Problem
The most common cosmetic problem people have with their ears is that they protrude.
Otoplasty is the name given to the operation to "pin back the ears" and change their shape and contour. While this may can be performed in any age after 4 or 5, it is recommended in the preschool years to alleviate teasing by school children.
DECIDING ON AN OPERATION
Anyone interested in cosmetic surgery of the ear should consult a competent facial plastic surgeon. During the initial visit, the surgeon makes a thorough evaluation to determine whether surgery is indicated.
HOW AN OTOPLASTY PERFORMED
The operation is performed through incisions along the back of the ear to expose the cartilage. Portions of the cartilage may be removed and/or reshaped and repositioned. Permanent sutures often are used to maintain the correction. The skin behind the ears is sutured and a soft dressing is applied. Skin sutures are removed within a few days and the patient is cautioned to protect the ear from injury. Surgery is performed either in a hospital or ambulatory surgical facility, either under local or general anesthetic. Most adolescents and adult patients only need some relaxing preoperative medication followed by a local anesthetic. However, if desired, general anesthesia can be administered. After the operation, there will be swelling of the ears and bruising, which subsides within a few days and bruising within a few weeks. There may be mild discomfort after a short period of time controlled with pain medication. Patients return to work within one to two weeks after surgery. The degree of improvement depends upon the individual characteristics of the patient and the extent of the operation. The risks of the surgery are minimal and are probably no more than any minor surgical procedure.
