An Otoplasy a procedure designed to change and improve the shape of the ears. It can be done due to deformity, asymmetry or exaggerated size of the ears.
Otoplasy is normally performed after the age of 5 or 6, when the cartilage in the ears has reached its normal size and any deformities are obvious and easily corrected. Children with ear deformities can undergo an unbearable amount of teasing by the peers, so before starting school is a perfect time. General anesthesia is used in children’s surgeries, but local anesthesia can be used for adults. An incision is made on the back side of the ears and the cartilage, soft tissue and skin is rearranged or removed according to the desired results. Then the incision is stitched closed and the ear is measured to serve as a guideline for the other ear, achieving symmetry this way.
The Otoplasy is a very simple procedure, but it is important to talk to your surgeon beforehand so that realistic expectations are clear, and any risks, concerns or important medical history facts are discussed to avoid unnecessary complications.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

One of the main risks of this surgery is the collection of blood under the skin, that will need to be removed with a syringe or a simple surgical procedure. You may also experience a temporary loss of sensation behind your ears, but this shouldn’t last more than 6 months. Slight asymmetry is normal in most people, even before surgery and is not a cause of worry.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST SURGERY

There will be some swelling and bruising around the ears after the procedure, this will go down after 4-6 weeks and the scars will be hardly noticeable. You may feel some tenderness for the first week, but pain medication can be prescribed by your doctor. You will need to wear a bandage around your head, adding pressure over the ears, your surgeon will indicate when the bandage can be permanently removed. An Otoplasy is very easy to recover from. An adult can go back to their normal activities after 1-3 days and children can go back to school after one or two weeks, depending on the doctor’s instructions.