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While many people never give a second thought to the ears, when they are poorly shaped or unusual in size, the ears can grab the unwanted attention of others. Misshapen or protruding ears can be devastating and humiliating; the sense of self-esteem can be severely impacted, especially in children and adolescents. Teasing and bullying because of ‘different’ looking ears are common. Adults as well can experience a loss of confidence. Only a surgical intervention can improve the appearance of the ears.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the ears. Patients with oversized, misshapen, or protruding ears can see dramatic improvement after an otoplasty procedure. This procedure at Westminster Medical Group can fix all aesthetic issues of the ear, ranging from a birth defect to an unnatural shape after an injury.
A successful otoplasty can be performed on both an adult patient, as well as children. Once the ears are close to fully developed, the surgical procedure can effectively reshape their size, shape, and position on the head.
Healthy men and women, as well as children as young as five, may make an excellent otoplasty candidate. People experiencing a malformation, asymmetry, or an unusual protrusion of the ears can find satisfying results through an otoplasty. It is recommended that the ears be between 85-90% developed prior to surgery, which occurs between the ages of five and six. The ideal patient will understand the procedure, commit to the recovery time required, and have realistic surgical expectations.
At our London Clinic, Dr. Sebastian Deme normally performs his otoplasty procedure under a local anesthetic. The procedure will take between one and two hours to complete. To begin, Dr. Sebastian Deme will make a small crease behind the ear, or depending on the desired correction, a tiny incision on the front crease of the ear. From here, the cartilage of the ear will be reshaped, and the repositioned closer to the head. Abnormalities of the earlobe will be addressed. Finally, sutures will be used to hold the ear in place while it heals.
Patients should expect the recovery from an otoplasty to take from one to two weeks. Initially, there may be mild discomfort, but Dr. Sebastian will make sure patients are resting comfortably at home with the appropriate pain medications. Bruising and swelling may occur, but will diminish over the next two to three weeks. A headband may be required, to assist in the appropriate healing of the ears. Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work or school in seven to ten days.
Potential patients should first take time to research the otoplasty procedure. Today, excellent resources are available online. If you are still interested after reading up on the procedure, contact Dr. Sebastian at our Harley Street clinic in London. Before scheduling your otoplasty, a consultation with Dr. Sebastian will be scheduled. This will provide a time for the surgeon to review your medical history, previous procedures, and the current surgical options, as well as the goals and desires for ear reconstruction. Dr. Sebastian will carefully explain how the otoplasty is performed and detail the recovery period. If otoplasty is the right procedure for your specific needs, a unique surgical plan will be created. Once the exact cost of your otoplasty is determined, the patient coordinator will detail your payment choices, including financing.
Once an otoplasty has been decided upon, it is time to prepare for the procedure. Dr. Sebastian will give patients clear post-surgical directions when the otoplasty is scheduled. To ensure a safe and satisfactory healing process, patients should also remember a few key points before their scheduled procedure:
Carefully review post-surgical instructions that are given during the consultation appointment with Dr. Sebastian. If you have any questions or concerns, call the office to have them before the day of your scheduled Otoplasty procedure.
If prescription medications will be required, pick them up at the pharmacy before the day of the surgery. You will not feel like waiting hours to pick up pain medication in a crowded pharmacy on the evening of your surgery.
Arrange for a ride home from the surgical center. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, but you will need someone to drive you home.
Be sure to place important numbers in an easy-to-see place. It is not wise to wait until a problem arises to search for a phone or insurance number.
Plan ahead and schedule all of your follow-up appointments with Dr. Sebastian. Get these on your calendar; follow-up visits are important for a safe and efficient recovery
Otoplasty is the term used for corrective surgery of the ears, following poor shape; abnormal size, or protrusion in an individual; as the unwanted attention from others can cause inner discomfort and humiliation. The most affected group that are affected by self esteem are children and adolescents, who are often taunted and bullied because of the difference with their ears. Adults also suffer inwardly and try to disguise the problem by wearing their hair longer, and via the usage of caps and hats in an attempt to disguise their ears.
The procedure is designed to correct ears that are protruding, larger than normal, or misshapen, and that occurred naturally from birth defects, injury or accidents. Successful surgery on both children and adults, although the ears do have to be near the fully developed stage in children, means that surgery can effectively correct the size, shape and the position, thus looking more natural than before and averting unwanted attention.
Otoplasty can give satisfactory results through surgery, as long as the ears are 85% – 90% fully developed prior to the procedure. This usually happens between the age of 5 – 6 years, and surgery is not recommended before this age. A patient who has a high level of ear malformation, uneven symmetry, or an unusual protrusion is a potential candidate, and as long as the expectations are realistic and the procedure is understood, along with an adequate recovery time, then a patient will be considered.
Research is always recommended when searching for a suitable surgeon. Dr. Sebastian is a plastic surgeon on the specialist register, and will conduct your consultation prior to any procedure taking place. You will be asked about your medical history, any previous procedures, and your goals and expectations post surgery. You will discuss how the procedure will be performed, the recovery time, and how the situation has made you feel, because mental health awareness is very important. Otoplasty is an extremely safe and effective procedure, and although it is considered an invasive surgery, some wounds may leave minor scarring, delayed wound healing and the risk of infection post surgery. All these risks can be discussed further with your surgeon
The majority of Adult cases will have surgery completed via local anaesthetic, whilst children are usually given a general anaesthetic, because they need to be still whilst the surgeon is performing surgery that requires precision. Depending on the corrective surgery, a small crease will be made behind the ear, and a tiny incision on the front of the ear, where the cartilage will be reshaped and repositioned closer to the scalp. Sutures will hold the redesigned ear in place until it fully heals. Surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the extent of the corrective procedure taking place. Patients usually recover within 7 – 10 days after surgery, when the swelling and bruising should be minimal by this time. Rest is paramount after surgery, with no physical exertion recommended for the first week of healing.
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