How otoplasty surgery is performed
Otoplasty surgery can correct congenital ear deformities or malformations due to injury or accident. An otoplasty procedure might involve making incisions, removing excess cartilage or skin, reforming the cartilage, or adding implants. The procedure varies depending on the corrections needed.
Ear pinning: The most frequently performed otoplasty to correct prominent (protruding) ears. The surgery involves permanent stitchesthat can hold the ears back.
Ear reduction: This type of otoplasty involves techniques to remove excess cartilage or skin. It can benefit those who have ears that are just too big or overdeveloped (macrotia).
Ear augmentation: Ear augmentation includes techniques to reconstruct ears that are too small or hardly exist due to congenital reasons (Anotia). In most cases, the person's own rib is used to reconstruct the ear but alloplastic implants can be used as well.
Otoplasty incisions are normally made on the back of the ear or among the natural creases inside the pinna. A qualified surgeon makes sure the incisions are properly hidden and leave minimal scars.
Otoplasty is a routinely performed procedure with minimal complications. Sedation, local or general anesthesia can be administrated according to your surgeon's preference.
The procedure can take anything between 1-4 hours long. After the surgery, hospitalization may or may not be needed.
How painful is ear pinning surgery?
For 48 hours after the surgery, you might experience mild to moderate pain. The discomfort and soreness can be completely managed using prescribed pain-killers or anti-inflammatory medications. In case you experience significant discomfort or the pain is asymmetric, you should visit the doctor and let them have a look. Complications rarely occur but if they do, it is better to indicate them as soon as possible.
Do I need an otoplasty?
Protruding, overdeveloped, or underdeveloped ears can affect many aspects of your social life. Children with such conditions are more prone to being bullied at school, women are insecure about putting their hair up, and men often find it hard to maintain a muscular look with the bat ears. Otoplasty is a very recent cosmetic procedure aimed to provide a satisfying look for these conditions. So if you have trouble facing these conditions, maybe you should start considering getting an otoplasty.
Cauliflower ear is another condition that can be resolved by undergoing cosmetic ear surgery. The condition normally occurs as a result of injuries but can be effectively treated by otoplasty.
Additionally, you might need otoplasty if you are concerned with the evergrowing cartilage inside your ear. Reduction otoplasty is an effective method to correct the disproportionate ear due to aging.
What you need to do before getting otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty is a very straightforward surgery that can be performed even as an outpatient procedure. Still, as with any other type of operation, you should start following some precautions weeks before the procedure.
- Obtain the medications prescribed by your surgeon beforehand. Having the medications ready and waiting right after the surgery is important since some of them must be taken immediately after the surgery.
- Avoid taking blood thinners like ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory drugs or even vitamin E and dietary supplements for at least 15 days prior to the surgery. Your surgeon will probably give you some further instructions regarding the restrictions.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking and alcohol can negatively affect the surgery results, wound healing, and possible anesthesia complications.
- Wash your hair the day of the surgery and remember not to put any products in your hair. You should also avoid wearing makeup or jewelry.
- On the day of the surgery, wear something that is both comfortable and has a button or zip on the day of the surgery. Doing so will prevent the top from coming into contact with your ears.
- Like any other surgery, we recommend you arrange for somebody to drive you to your hotel and stay with you for the night after the surgery.
Otoplasty specialists in Iran
By doing otoplasty in Iran, you will receive highly qualified medical service under the knife of board-certified surgeons who are experienced experts. While doing research for choosing the right specialists, you will probably come across names such as Dr. Boroomand, Dr. Soltanifar, Dr. Tarrahomi, Dr. Yahyavi, or Dr. Amali. All of these surgeons are board-certified and familiar with the needs and expectations of a cosmetic surgery patient.
Through Alomedical platform, you will have the opportunity to book a free consultation appointment with one of these specialists right now.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
The cost of otoplasty depends on many aspects including the required correction and the geographical region the surgery is performed in. Comparing the cost of otoplasty in several countries can help you select a procedure that is both affordable and high-quality.
- UK: from$3,134
- Australia: from $5500
- UAE: from$3999
- Iran: from $1000
Post operation Recovery Tips and aftercare
After the procedure, a certain bandage will be wrapped around your head. The bandage will fully cover your ears with mild pressure on the area. This dressing will reduce discomfort and swelling. It can also allow you to rest more easily. In a day or two, a lighter dressing will replace the bulky bandages. You will be wearing this new bandage for about a week.
Try to keep things including your hands off your ears for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Do not attempt to rub or touch your ears. You should also sleep on your back with your head elevated to prevent any pressure in the area.
You can easily control any discomfort or soreness by taking oral medications. The pain will begin to decrease within 48 hours. If you are concerned about the degree of pain, you can contact the medical team.
You shouldn’t get your hair wet until the dressing or bandage around the ears is completely removed.
It is normal to feel your ears are plugged until the dressing is removed. The sensation is a result of a packing which is temporarily placed at the entrance of the ear canal.
It is also normal to see some discharge coming out of the ear for a few weeks after the surgery.
When does otoplasty swelling go down?
Swelling usually lasts about one month or two; you might even notice the swelling increases in the first 3-4 days after the surgery but after 4 days, it will subside. By strictly following the instructions, you can reduce the swelling and make sure it fades away quickly.
In 3-4 days, you can fly back to Home.
In a week, you can get back to work.
In 2 weeks, you are free to start doing exercises.
Risks and side effects
Otoplasty is routinely performed and there are few complications associated with it. Nevertheless, it is quite helpful to improve your overall knowledge concerning the unlikely risks that the procedure might entail.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Unfavorable result
- Scar formation
- Narrowing in the ear canal
FAQ
Does otoplasty leave scars?
A qualified surgeon can proficiently hide the incisions either in the back of the ear or on the natural creases that exist on the ear. As a result, minor scarring that is left will be sufficiently concealed.
Can you have otoplasty twice (revision)?
Yes, otoplasty can be performed as a revision procedure. Some people might not be satisfied with the results or find their ears asymmetric and desire a revision otoplasty. This is, however, quite uncommon.
Is otoplasty haram?
Most scholars suggest that pinning ears back to resolve a physical defect is permissible because it might cause psychological harm.
Does otoplasty affect hearing?
Otoplasty deals with the outer area (pinna) of your ear. Hence, any harm or damage to your hearing ability is unlikely.
Can otoplasty make ears smaller?
Sure; reduction otoplasty is a procedure that involves removing excess skin, tissue, or cartilage to make disproportional ears smaller.
