Are you frustrated by the appearance of your ears because they protrude outward? If you keep your hair long and wear hats to cover your ears to avoid unwanted attention, otoplasty may be a good option for you. Otoplasty is a transformative procedure that yields both physical and emotional benefits. But what is an otoplasty?
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty or ear surgery is a surgical procedure that adjusts the shape, size, or position of the ear. The goal of otoplasty is to improve the balance and symmetry of the ears while maintaining optimal facial harmony.
Otoplasty often involves pinning back ears that stick out noticeably from the sides of the head, so it is also known as ear pinning surgery. Ear pinning surgery is common among children with prominent ears, as they are often teased by peers and feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their ears.
Ear surgery is done on the visible or outer part of the ear, known as the auricle, which consists of cartilage covered with skin. Children as young as 6 years can get otoplasty done, as the ears are fully developed by this age.
Otoplasty may also involve reducing oversized ears so that they appear more natural. This is referred to as ear reduction, as it involves resizing the ears by removing excess cartilage.
Depending on the changes the patient desires, otoplasty may include both ear pinning and ear reduction.
Otoplasty is a safe, effective procedure that involves minimal risk. The results are noticeable once the dressings are removed.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Otoplasty?
Children are good candidates for otoplasty because their ears are very flexible and therefore easy to shape. However, ear surgery is also suitable for adults who have protruding or abnormally large ears they are unhappy with.
Otoplasty is also a good option for people with misshapen ears resulting from a birth defect or trauma. Adult candidates for otoplasty should be non-smokers and in good health.
How Is Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that takes about 1-3 hours to perform and is done under local anesthesia with sedation. However, general anesthesia is typically used on children.
The incisions for otoplasty are made in the back of the ear in the crease between the ear and head. This allows the surgeon to remove or reshape the cartilage and then reposition the ear closer to the head. The cartilage is secured with internal stitches.
What To Expect After Surgery?
A dressing is put over the ears after surgery and remains in place for a few days. Patients may experience mild swelling, pain, and numbness, but these side-effects should resolve within 3-5 days.
Benefits Of Otoplasty
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Boosts Confidence
Children and adults with prominent ears often feel self-conscious about the appearance of their ears. This often leads to low self-esteem, psychological distress, and embarrassment. Otoplasty is a life-changing procedure that improves self-image and boosts confidence.
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Promotes Facial Harmony
Otoplasty promotes facial harmony because it adjusts the size and shape of the ears. Improving the symmetry of the ears increases harmony between the facial features and enhances natural beauty.
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Permanent Results
When otoplasty is expertly performed by a skilled surgeon, the results should last a lifetime. After the cartilage is trimmed and reshaped during surgery, the ears don’t usually change. The ears typically settle into their final position about 3-4 weeks after surgery.
If you are struggling with feelings of insecurity because you have prominent ears, it may be time to consider otoplasty. Otoplasty will not only improve the appearance of your ears, but it will also help you live life more confidently.