Otoplasty (surgery of prominent ears).

The aspect of the ears is fundamental in order to achieve harmony in a face. Prominent ears may sometimes result in a negative aspect for interpersonal relations in children.

Ears surgery or otoplasty is one of the surgeries which may be performed in younger people. The earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. In many cases such surgery is recommended before the school year begins to prevent the child from dealing with his/her ears.

In adult patients prominent ears are also a common consultation and in many cases it leads to change hair styles in order to hide his/her ears.

What does the surgery consist of?

The surgery changes according to each particular case. It is a simple, ambulatory procedure that is performed under local or general anesthesia. The scar is hidden in the back of the ear. The cartilage is treated to reduce its size. This surgery sets prominent ears back closer to the head and sculpts the cartilage, creates a fold which may be missing or in some cases it is performed just to reduce the size of the ears.

Among the otoplasty there also exists a surgery of the lobule which sometimes becomes bigger and stretches with the passing of time and use of earrings. Some patients may even have a lobule groove (caused by earring traumatism) which may also be corrected during surgery.

Postoperative care.

Patient goes home the same day surgery was performed using a headband which will have to be worn during the first 2 or 3 weeks. Patient will have to refrain from work activities during 72 hours. Stitches will be removed 15 days after surgery.

Bulnes 1937