Otoplasty is a surgery done to reshape the outer ear, to correct the deformities, or to make the face look better. Otoplasty procedure comes under the reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. This surgery is mainly done in childhood. There is no particular reason behind an extended or obtruded ear it may be a characteristic that may run in the families, but it does not lead any problem related to hearing. Protruding ear does not look good on the face and may create embarrassment to anyone. Therefore, Otoplasty is done to improve one’s self image. More than 30 % of children are born with the deformities of ear which can be corrected by Otoplasty surgery.
Causes of extended ear
Underdeveloped Cartilage- When the ridge of the upper cartilage does not fold properly during the development of the child inside the womb. The pinna of the ear sticks outwards instead of inwards.
Overdeveloped Cartilage- When there is over-development of tissues in the pinna, the risk of getting a protruded ear increases.
Angle- The ear sticks out from the side of the face at the angle of 20 to 35 degrees if the angle is more than 35 degrees this will cause the ears to stand out from the face.
Otoplasty Procedure
Otoplasty surgery is done to reconstruct, remodel, or to correct the deformities of external ear. Otoplasty surgeries are primarily done by paediatric surgeon, ENT surgeon, or a cosmetic surgeon. The best time to carry out Otoplasty is when the ear has reached its full size, which normally happens by the time when a child attains 5 years of age. Three main types of Otoplasty are:
- Otopexy
- Ear Reduction
- Ear Augmentation
Otoplasty procedure is performed under intravenous sedation. Local anaesthesia is given to adults and children are supplemented with
general anaesthesia. Otoplasty procedure usually lasts for two hours. The surgery is performed by making a cut behind the ear. This surgery folds the excessive cartilage and positions the ear closer to the head.
Complications of Otoplasty
There are few complications related to every minor or
major surgery. Here are some complications that may occur after the Otoplasty surgery.
- Bleeding- There may be bleeding and inflammation under the skin of the ear, which leads to the formation of hematoma or lesion.
- Infection- There is a rare chance of infection in the skin and tissues, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.
- A patient may not be satisfied with the results of surgery. Maybe, he or she was expecting something different from the procedure.
- Perpetual or short-term numbness of the skin behind ear.
- Unhealed scar formation which may be visible to others.