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Consultation

Otoplasty

There are many people unsatisfied with the look of their ears. In most cases, the reason is excessive protrusion of auricles. A less
frequent cause of dissatisfaction is excessive size or shape deformity. Otoplasty is used to correct these defects.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Otoplasty is a very broad notion, including many surgical techniques. The surgical method must be adjusted to the cause of
auricle deformity. Therefore, the correct can cover, inter alia: anthelix fold formation, partial cartilage resection or application of special auricle sutures.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. In exceptional cases, application of intravenous anaesthesia is possible in which situation the patient sleeps throughout the procedure.

Only proper identification of the essence of the problem allows to achieve satisfying results. Thus, physical examination of the ears and familiarisation with the patient's expectations play a key role in selection of the best treatment method. Another essential factor is comprehensive facial analysis allowing to determine proper proportions of the desired auricle. During the consultation, I discuss the available options to proceed with and expected results with the patient. I always aim at a natural look of the ears operated on.

Otoplasty can be performed both in children and adults. It is believed that an auricle procedure in a person older than 5 years old does not result in disturbance of the ear development. The surgery is usually performed between the age of 8 and 14, when the cartilage is flexible and susceptible to shaping. Early correction of the deformity also prevents development of complexes. In my clinical practice, I perform ear correction in both adults and children. However, it must be noted that in case of children, I do not perform the procedure only at the request of the parents. According to the generally accepted standards, qualification for the procedure is based on the position and willingness to under the procedure demonstrated by the little patient.

After the surgery, a band is applied to secure the dressing and protect the ears against an injury. It should be worn continuously until the stiches are removed (usually on the 14th day after the surgery). Subsequently, it is recommended to use it at night for 3-4 weeks.

After the procedure, the patient remains under care of qualified medical personnel. In case of no contraindications, the patient is discharged from the clinic with post-operative recommendations on the day of the procedure. Post-operative pain ailments persist for several days when indicated pain relievers and cold compresses should be applied. Returning to work or school is possible after only 7 days from the procedure. Cardio type sports activity can be resumed after at least 2 weeks. All contact sports, characterised with risk of injury to the auricles operated on, must be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

In people, any skin cut ends in scarring. In the case of otoplasty, the retroauricular approach is applied, placing the scar behind the ear and, thus, making it unnoticeable. It is possible for the scar to be noticeable, but these are very rare cases.

In a great majority of patients, the achieved surgery result is permanent. Recurrence of protrusion usually results from loosening of sutures in the early post-operative period. A revision surgery with reapplication of sutures restores the desired look of the auricle.

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