Otoplasty, also known as ear aesthetics, is the surgical correction of the shape of the ear. Otoplasty is used both for some congenital deformities and for some aesthetic appearance problems caused by trauma. Ear aesthetics can also be used for some incompatibilities between the ear and the head.
How is Ear Aesthetics Performed?
The ear aesthetic procedure may vary according to the patient’s needs and expectations, as well as some analysis by the doctor. However, ear aesthetics are usually performed by following these steps:
- The patient is evaluated by a plastic surgeon.
- The surgeon assesses the current condition of the patient’s ears and listens to their wishes and expectations. It informs the patient accordingly.
- The patient’s history and current health status are examined and their suitability for surgery is assessed.
- The first step for the procedure is anesthesia. Although ear aesthetics are usually performed under local anesthesia, anesthesia may also be used depending on the situation.
- The surgeon makes incisions behind the patient’s ear and on the surface of the ear, which are very easy to conceal. Through these incisions, the soft tissues of the ear are separated and corrected and the cartilage is reached. Special surgical techniques are then used to reshape and reposition the ear cartilage. Ear cartilage can be filed to prevent the condition called auricle.
- After the procedures are completed, the incisions made behind the ear are closed with fine stitches. These stitches, like the incisions, are small and easy to hide.
- As the last step of the surgery, the ears are wrapped with a bandage or gauze to protect the area and preserve the new shape of the ears.
How Many Hours Does Ear Aesthetics Take?
How many hours the ear aesthetics will take varies depending on multiple factors. Ear aesthetics usually takes between 1 – 2 hours. The factors that determine how long ear aesthetics will last are the following:
- General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and may affect the duration of the procedure. Under local anesthesia, the procedure usually takes less time.
- The patient’s general state of health and especially their reaction to anesthesia can affect the duration of the procedure. Some health conditions or medications can prolong or shorten the operation time.
- Ear aesthetics may require different surgical techniques depending on the current condition of the ears. For example, correction of just the pinna may take less time, whereas it may require more time in cases where the ears need to be further deformed or their position corrected.
- The surgeon’s experience and expertise may also affect the duration of the procedure. An experienced surgeon can work faster and reduce the procedure time.
How is Ear Reduction Surgery Performed?
Ear reduction surgery is a type of ear aesthetics called otoplasty. This procedure is done to correct the congenital abnormal size or shape of the ears. Conditions such as large ears or excessively protruding forward can affect the person’s self-confidence and negatively affect their social life. Ear reduction surgery is performed to correct such conditions and to give the ears a more aesthetic appearance.
The surgeon reshapes the ear cartilage and shrinks it if necessary. This allows the ears to protrude less forward and give a more balanced appearance. The surgeon repositions the ear skin and cuts it if necessary. Finally, when the ears have reached the desired shape, the stitches are removed. After surgery, the patient usually has a bandage or dressing applied around the head. The healing process can vary from person to person, but usually takes a few weeks. Swelling and bruising may be seen during the healing period, but it decreases over time. Reducing the size of the ears with ear aesthetics can increase self-confidence and make the ears look more aesthetic.
What Should Be Considered After Prominent Ear Surgery?
The main things to be considered after prominent ear surgery are as follows:
- It is very important to follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly in the postoperative period. These instructions may include how to maintain the bandage or dressing, how to use medicines and other care instructions.
- A bandage or dressing around the head after surgery is used to maintain the new shape of the ears and reduce swelling. The date when the bandage or dressing should be removed is determined by your surgeon and should not be touched until this date.
- You should take the medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly. These medicines are usually given to control pain and inflammation.
- You should keep the area around your ears clean and hygienic. You should wash and care for your ears as recommended by your doctor. However, you should carefully avoid touching your ears in the postoperative period.
- Swelling and bruising may be observed in the postoperative period. This is a normal side effect and will decrease over time. Cold compresses or recommended creams can relieve swelling.
- Heavy physical activities and excessive exercise should be avoided in the postoperative period. This can increase swelling by increasing blood flow.
- In the postoperative period, you should keep your head in an elevated position. This can help reduce swelling. Ideally, it is recommended to use two pillows when lying down for a few weeks.
- If you want to do sports or activities in the postoperative period, it is important to use the ear protectors recommended by your surgeon. These protectors protect the ears from possible impacts.
- After prominent ear surgery, it is necessary to pay attention to postoperative controls as in all surgeries. Check-ups are very important to detect any problems early on.
How Much Does Ear Aesthetics Cost?
The price of ear aesthetics is determined depending on multiple factors. The main factors in determining the price of ear aesthetics are as follows:
- Ear aesthetic surgeries can have different degrees of complexity. Various levels of surgery can be performed, ranging from simple procedures where only a smaller correction of the ears may be required, to more complex surgeries where the shape and position of the ears need to be altered to a greater extent. More complex operations often require longer time and more expertise, which can increase costs.
- The use of local anesthesia and general anesthesia can affect the price of surgery. General anesthesia can be more expensive because the cost of the anesthesiologist and anesthesia supplies is higher.
- The choice of clinic or hospital where the surgery will be performed affects the price. Surgery may be more expensive in more luxurious or high-standard facilities.
- Ear plastic surgery is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most health insurances. However, in some special cases or if there is a functional problem, it may be covered by insurance. This reduces the price of ear aesthetics.
Does Ear Aesthetics Leave Scars?
The possibility of scarring in ear aesthetics is very low. Plastic surgeons usually make incisions behind the ear or in the natural folds of the auricle in ear aesthetic surgeries. These areas make the scars less visible. Surgeons close the skin incisions using thin and carefully placed sutures. This contributes to minimal and low prominence of scars. Proper management of the healing process helps prevent scarring. Maintaining the bandage or dressing as recommended by your surgeon and treating the healing process appropriately reduces the risk of scarring.
Is Prominent Ear Fixed Without Surgery?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to correct prominent ear without surgery . Prominent ear refers to a condition in which a person’s congenital ear structure is different from normal. Since this condition is structural, it cannot be solved without surgery. Therefore, the only remedy for people who complain of prominent ears is to have ear aesthetics.
