Prominent, protruding ears often look unnatural and can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. Many adults actually avoid certain hairstyles to keep their ears camouflaged from public view.
Otoplasty is the medical name of the surgery performed to improve the shape and deformities of the ears. Whether the defect is since birth or caused by an injury, all ear deformities can be corrected by otoplasty. Even a small surgery correction can make a profound difference to the total appearance.Cosmetic deformities can cause immense psychological effect on an individual.Usually prominent ears stand out at an angle of more than 35%. Overdevelopment or underdevelopment of cartilage in the pinna or outer ear can also lead to protruding ears.
Procedure:
The doctor will thoroughly examine your ears checking the size, position, symmetry and angle of ears from the head. This would give the doctor a blueprint of how to correct the deformities and enhance your looks.Otoplasty generally lasts one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation. If required, general anaesthesia may also be given. Surgery is usually done on both the ears. An incision is made behind the ears or within the inner creases of the ears depending on the area the correction is needed. The incisions are made such as to keep the scars out of direct view. The scar, however, fades away over a period of time. Excess cartilage and skin are removed from the pinna. After sculpting the cartilage to the preferred shape, sutures are used to hold the ear in the new position until healing is complete.
Recovery:
Patients usually feel back to normal within hours after an otoplasty, although the ears may ache or throb for a few days. Medications will be given to help alleviate any discomfort.
Result:
Proportionate ears, well balanced with the size and contour of the face and head. The changes achieved here are permanent.