EAR (OTOPLASTY)

Prominent ears are cause of three major complexes, especially in children and young people, but also in adults. They are usually operated at 8 or 9 years of age if the result of the ears has been achieved, although it is not uncommon to operate at other ages. The correction is very simple and consists of obtaining the curvature they lack through an incision in the back of the ear.

For the child, this type of defect is often a cause of teasing from other children and for adults is common to encounter individuals who still hide, are ashamed or feel constrained by their ears.

The diagnosis is made quickly by the pediatrician and parents, who note that the ears of the child are overly projecting outward from the head. This initial diagnosis is temporary, as there is a possibility to recover in a properly manner at the first years of life.

Ideally, surgery must be performed when the ears have reached their final development, between seven and nine years of age, but it is not always desirable to wait that long. The consequences and repercussion can be more unfavorable than the fact of anticipating the surgery (at 3 years of age there has been 85% of the development of the ears). This assessment must be made between the children, the parents and the surgeon.

What is Otoplasty or Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery more technically known as Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct size, dimension and position of the ears. You can also correct the patient's skin, as well as the architecture of the cartilage.

Why is an Ear Surgery useful?

By Otoplasty you can do things like:

  • Correct the position of the ears.
  • Increase their size.
  • Reduce their size.
  • Modify the structure of the cartilage.

Who can apply for this surgery?

The Otoplasty can be done from nine years of age, regardless of the gender of the patient.

What type of laboratory tests should be performed?

Aiming to prevent any risk, it is important that your surgeon indicate which tests should be performed like:

  • Hemogram for analyzing tolerance to bleeding (clotting time).
  • Sugar Levels: to explore the possibilities of healing or prevent infection problems.

 In order for Otoplasty to be safe ...

The Otoplasty, like any other surgical procedure has some risks. Some important things that should be taken into consideration to avoid them are:

  • Verify that the plastic surgeon is a member of the Colombian Association of Plastic Surgery.
  • Follow all recommendations suggested by the surgeon.
  • Ensure that the operation is performed at a clinic or institution has all the support.

How long can Ear Surgery take?

The Otoplasty can take between 30 minutes and three hours depending on the complexity of each case.
What kind of anesthesia is required for this surgery?

Ear surgery is actually a very low risk procedure, even in some cases simply using local anesthesia with sedation will suffice.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Do not take aspirin or other medication that contain salicylates, for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
  • No smoking three weeks before and three weeks after surgery.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

  • The pain should be mild to moderate. When the pain gets worse or more intense, tell the nurse to communicate this to the doctor.
  • The feeling of decreased sensitivity and/or tingling of the ear that will fade gradually.
  • Ecchymosis (bruises) and edema, will gradually decline from the first week and disappear within the first two or three weeks, and the edema after one month will be minimal.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

  • After surgery a compressive bandage is placed and will be revised in the first 24 hours and removed at 48 hours. From the third day one there will be left a light dressing or tennis type head bandana that will be maintained for three weeks.
  • The sutures are removed between the 5th and 7th days.
  • The final outcome can not be measured until three months after surgery due to edema.

POSTOPERATIVE

  • Avoid wetting the dressings until all sutures are removed. Then wash the ears every day and especially the scars, with water and mild soap, drying the area with cold air.
  • Sleep or rest with the head and back slightly elevated, avoiding lateral positions.
  • Use the tape, both day and night, during the first few weeks, withdrawing it only for short periods of time to rest from the constant pressure.
  • Massage the scar and the folds of the ear with petroleum jelly or indicated cream.