Protruding Ears – Otoplasty
Otoplasty is an effective treatment method to improve the shape, position, or part of the ear. Otoplasty can correct congenital defects in ear structure or address problems that have arisen during growth. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury.
The benefits of otoplasty are numerous, and not just purely aesthetic. Correcting minor malformations can positively impact both appearance and self-esteem. It can bring balance and proportion to the ears and face, helping to create a more natural shape.
If you suffer from protruding or misshaped ears that affect your self-esteem, consider otoplasty. Dr. Oya can assist you in achieving the appearance you desire in a safe and professional manner. Contact us for a consultation today.
What Can Ear Surgery Treat?
- Excessively large ears – a condition known as macrotia
- Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides to varying degrees
- Dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
Who Can Consider Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery can be an option for teenagers and adults who are healthy and do not suffer from life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can affect healing. It’s also important that the patient has a positive outlook and specific goals for the operation. Additionally, it is beneficial if the patient does not smoke, as smoking can negatively affect healing. Of course, it’s always best to discuss this with Dr. Oya to determine if ear surgery is the best option for you.
What Can I Expect During a Consultation for Ear Surgery?
During a consultation for ear surgery, expect Dr. Oya to ask you several questions about your health, medical history, and lifestyle to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and desires.
You will discuss why you want the procedure, your expectations of the outcome, and the results. Dr. Oya will also assess your general health, take photographs for your medical record, and discuss likely outcomes and any potential risks or complications.
It is vital that you are completely honest and open with Dr. Oya during the consultation to ensure a safe and successful procedure. You should also ask any questions you may have about the procedure and its aftercare so that you understand all aspects of your ear surgery.
Questions to Ask Dr. Oya About Ear Surgery
Prepare for the consultation by:
- Writing down all your symptoms, medications, and health history with a timeline, so you can discuss your issues systematically.
- Creating a list of your questions.
- Informing Dr. Oya about your health and any health problems.
- Asking questions and requesting clarifications.
- Bringing a copy of your medical records or requesting access to them.
- Bringing a friend who can support you.
Here are some questions to use as a guide during your consultation:
- Am I a suitable candidate for this procedure?
- What can I expect from the results?
- Where and how will you perform my operation?
- What shape, size, incision site, and placement do you recommend for me?
- How long is the recovery period, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications for this procedure?
- How are any complications handled?
- What alternatives do I have if I am not satisfied with the results of my ear surgery?
- Do you have before and after photos from previous surgeries that I can look at, and what can I expect from the results?
Be sure to ask plastic surgery-specific questions about your individual recovery period:
- Where will I be taken care of after the operation?
- Will I have dressings or bandages after the operation?
- When will they be removed?
- When will the stitches be removed?
- When can I resume normal activities and exercise?
- When should I schedule a follow-up with you?
What Are the Risks of Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery is a common procedure to correct aesthetic or functional problems with the ears. Before deciding to undergo this procedure, it’s important to understand the possible risks and potential complications.
Possible risks include allergic reactions to tape, sutures, adhesives, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents, anesthesia risks, asymmetry, bleeding, blood clots, changes in skin sensation, infection, pain, poor wound healing, the possibility of revisional surgery, irregularities in skin contour, skin discoloration/swelling, and unfavorable scarring.
To prepare for surgery, you may be asked to take tests or undergo a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking well before the operation, and avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
You will receive specific instructions on what to do on the day of surgery, including the use of anesthesia during your procedure, as well as postoperative care and follow-up. It is important to follow these instructions carefully
to ensure a smooth recovery.
We understand you may have questions and concerns about the procedure, and it is important to address them with Dr. Oya. We also recommend that you arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the operation and stay with you the first night to help during your recovery period.
We strive to provide you with the best care and experience possible, and if you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.
What Are the Steps in Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a procedure that involves correcting protruding ears or other ear problems. Below are the basic steps typically performed in ear surgery:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
To make the procedure comfortable and pain-free, Dr. Oya will administer appropriate anesthesia based on your health and individual needs.
Step 2 – The Incision
Dr. Oya will use various techniques to create or enhance the antihelical fold and reduce the size of the conchal cartilage. Incisions are usually made on the back of the ear, but in some cases, they may need to be made on the front. Dr. Oya will use internal sutures to secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
After the correction is complete, Dr. Oya closes the incisions with external stitches. The technique is individually tailored to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance and to minimize damage to other structures.
Step 4 – The Results
You can expect almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears. When the bandage is removed, you will see your new ears, permanently positioned closer to the head. Surgical scars will either be well hidden in the ear’s natural creases or concealed behind the ear.
We understand that otoplasty can be an important and personal decision. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you schedule a consultation with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Oya to discuss your goals and expectations and to answer any questions you may have.
What Can I Expect After Ear Surgery?
After ear surgery, you can expect some pain and discomfort, but this can be controlled with pain medication. There may also be an itching sensation under the bandage. It is important not to remove the bandage as this can lead to loss of correction and require a secondary operation.
As with all medical procedures, there is no guarantee of complete satisfaction with the results, but good results are expected. Sometimes additional surgeries may be needed to achieve optimal results.
After the operation, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your ears and what medications to take to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of infection. It is important to follow these instructions and attend follow-up appointments as planned.
Ear surgery provides almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, with visible results when the bandages supporting the ear’s new shape are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well concealed in the ear’s natural folds. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time.
