Cosmetic surgeries have grown increasingly frequent due to the rise of social media, leading people to seek enhancements to match their ideals. Certain surgeries that fall under the category of “cosmetic” are actually medically necessary. Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that simply changes the size, position, or shape of the ear. Some people choose otoplasty to correct a structural abnormality of the ear due to injury or a birth defect. Others seek this procedure because their ears are too large, small, or protruding.
What is Otoplasty Surgery?
Otoplasty (from the Latin otō meaning ear and plasty meaning to change shape) is a cosmetic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty involves changing the shape of the ears.
What is Otoplasty Surgery?
Otoplasty is generally used to treat ears that are too far from the head. Ear surgery or otoplasty can also be combined with a procedure called Reduction Otoplasty to correct ears that are excessively large. Note that otoplasty is usually performed to optimize the symmetry or size of both ears and that this procedure cannot change the location of the ears or the hearing ability.
Non-surgical Treatment
After the ears have reached their full size, otoplasty can be performed at any age, starting at age 5. If a child is born with prominent ears and other apparent ear problems, splinting the ear may successfully rectify these problems and prevent future cosmetic ear surgery. For this reason, this approach is referred to as non-surgical treatment for prominent ears. Below, we will discuss more details about ear cosmetic surgery or otoplasty.
Which Individuals Can Have Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is usually performed on ears that are:
- Prominent and set unusually far from the head.
- Larger or smaller than normal.
- Abnormally shaped due to injury, trauma, or a structural problem from birth.
Moreover, some people may have previously undergone ear surgery and are not satisfied with the results. In these cases, they may need to undergo otoplasty to correct the deformities. The best candidates to undergo ear surgery are those who are:
- 5 years of age or older, as the ear structure is likely to be fully developed.
- In good overall health, having an underlying condition such as diabetes can increase the risk of complications or negatively affect the healing process.
- Non-smokers, as smoking, can reduce blood flow to the surgical area and slow down the healing process.
Otoplasty Types
Otoplasty is also commonly referred to as ear surgery because it is performed on the visible or external parts of the ear. The ear consists of folds of cartilage covered by skin.
This structure begins to develop before birth and continues to grow in the years after birth. Meanwhile, if the earlobe is not growing appropriately, the patient may choose to have earlobe plastic surgery to correct the size, position, or shape of the ears. There are several types of otoplasty, including:
Otoplasty Types
Ear enlargement surgery
Some people may have genetically small ears or ears that are not fully developed. In these cases, they may want to have otoplasty surgery to increase the size of the outer part of their ears.
Ear pinning surgery
This type of otoplasty is performed to bring the ears closer to the head and is referred to as prominent ear surgery. It is actually performed on people whose ears protrude prominently from the sides of their heads. The cost of prominent ear surgery largely depends on the original size of the ear.
Ear reduction surgery
Excessive earlobe growth, or Macrotia, can make the ears appear larger. People with Macrotia may undergo Otoplasty cosmetic ear surgery to reduce the size of their ears.
Preparing for an Otoplasty Surgery
To have satisfactory results, it is best to select a professional and experienced ear cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon. You should consult with your surgeon before undergoing otoplasty.
During your consultation, you will usually be asked questions about your medical history, medications, and previous surgeries. The ear surgeon will assess the shape, size, and location of your ears and discuss the procedure, risks, and cost of ear surgery with you. It is recommended that you take this opportunity to enquire from your doctor to show you samples of his or her previous surgeries.
- You will probably need to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements for a week before surgery, as they can increase bleeding during the surgery.
- If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to quit before surgery and during your recovery.
- You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you the first night of your recovery.
Otoplasty Recovery
After otoplasty surgery, your ears will be wrapped tightly with bandages for extra protection and support. Therefore, you may feel some discomfort and itching when recovering.
Be sure to keep your bandages clean and dry.
Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking painkillers and your discomfort continues to increase, contact your doctor immediately.
To prevent pressure on your ear, avoid sleeping on your side.
Also, try not to rub or apply too much force to the incision site. Consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose collars for a while.
A week after your otoplasty surgery, your doctor will remove your bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red, and you may need to wear an elastic headband to cover your ears at night for a few weeks.
Otoplasty Recovery
Otoplasty Cost
The cost of ear surgery depends on factors such as the experience of the doctor, the procedure, the appearance of the ear, and the costs of the surgical center. Anesthesiologists and surgical assistants also charge a fee. Insurance companies do not cover the cost of otoplasty in Iran because it falls into the category of cosmetic surgery. The average cost of otoplasty varies between 100 and 200 Dollars in different centers.
In the USA, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of cosmetic ear surgery or otoplasty ranges from $4,625 to $6,437.
What Are The Possible Risks of Ear Cosmetic Surgery (Otoplasty)?
Usually, the outbreak of complications after Otoplasty surgery is very rare, but because this is a surgical procedure, all possibilities must be taken into account. There are risks and symptoms that may occur after an otoplasty which include the following:
- Severe bleeding, inflammation, redness, and bruising
- Ears not looking symmetrical
- Permanent scarring
- Allergic reaction during or after surgery
- Changes in skin sensation
- Abnormal lines on the ears
- Stitch problems
Final Word
Sometimes, a person may have abnormalities in the appearance of the ear from birth or after a period of growth. Ear cosmetic surgery or otoplasty is one of the modern methods for correcting the appearance of the ear, which has the least troubles and leads to an improvement in the condition of the ears.
Basically, otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to adjust the size, shape, or position of the outer part of the ear. The surgery does not affect the inner part of the ear and does not cause hearing loss. Usually, hearing remains at the same level after it is performed. Keep in mind that to avoid complications from otoplasty, it is best to consult an otolaryngologist or plastic surgeon.
