Ears are an integral part of an individual’s face and if the ears are deformed, abnormally large or are protruding, they can affect the overall appearance of the face. Children with large, bulging or protruding years are usually the ones who are made fun of in school which affects their confidence to a greater level. Ear correction surgery is primarily performed in children after their ears have fully grown and also in adults for cosmetic reasons. The procedure is referred as otoplasty by surgeons.
Who is a suitable candidate for an ear correction surgery ?
An ear correction surgery or Otoplasty is mainly indicated in children who are above 5 years of age as their ears are fully grown at this age, to adults who want the shape of their ears corrected for cosmetic reasons. Ear deformities are usually hereditary and related to different races.
When is the ear correction surgery indicated ?
Ear correction procedure is indicated if you or your child has large ears (macrotia), deformed ears or protruding ears affecting the appearance of the face. Ear correction surgery is a cosmetic correction procedure and hence it is important to have realistic expectations from the same.
When is an ear correction surgery not advised ?
Ear correction surgery is usually not advised in children who are younger than three years of age as the ears are still in growth phase. It is also not advised in children in adults who are more prone to scarring and keloid formation and who do not have realistic expectations from the procedure. It is important to consult your cosmetic surgeon if you or your child have bleeding or clotting disorders or are on any medication which could affect the outcome of the surgical procedure before deciding to go ahead with the procedure.
How do you prepare for an ear correction surgery ?
Once you decide to go ahead with an ear correction surgery for yourself or your child it is essential to get a general consultation done by a physician who can clear you for the surgery and then consult with a cosmetic surgeon who is efficiently trained in performing cosmetic correction procedures. The consultant cosmetic surgeon will do a complete physical and clinical examination with a detailed history taking and the reason why you want to go ahead with an ear correction surgery. The consultation might include photographs and X-ray imaging along with a battery of blood investigations to clear you for the surgery.
Is the ear correction surgery performed under anesthesia?
Yes, the ear correction surgery is performed under the influence of anesthesia. In children the procedure is most commonly performed under general anesthesia and sedation where as in adults the choice of anesthesia is local or topical depending on the extent of the procedure.
What happens during an ear correction surgery ?
An ear correction surgery is a cosmetic correction procedure and takes about two to three hours for its completion. Once the anesthesia effect sets in the procedure is performed by the surgeon giving incision behind the ear lobe to reposition the ear and sometimes a lobular extension of the incision might be also given in some patients. Once the incision is placed the surgeon removes the excess cartilage and tissue from the required area of the ear and sutures the ear back at a new position. The surgeon can use absorbable or removable sutures, whichever is suitable for you. The surgical area is covered with a bandage initially to aid in healing and to prevent any bleeding from the surgical site. The approximate healing time can range from one week to about a month. If you experience any infection or bleeding from the surgical site, then you are advised to seek consultation with your consultant physician at the earliest.
What are the risks and complications associated with an ear correction surgery ?
The ear correction surgery is a fairly minor surgical procedure and hence the complications are fewer. Complications related to anesthesia could be nausea, vomiting, gastric upset and headache depending upon the type of anesthesia used. The complications related to the procedure as such include swelling, soreness at the surgical site, bleeding or infection at the site of the procedure and scarring of the surgical area. If your skin has a tendency to scar it is advisable to discuss the same with your treating surgeon before going ahead with the procedure. Sometimes overcorrection and under correction can occur after an ear surgery leaving you and your child disappointed, it is advisable to ask your treating surgeon in detail about the risks, benefits and outcome of the surgical procedure.
What is the outcome of an ear correction surgery ?
An ear correction surgery is a cosmetic enhancement procedure which can help you or your child the confidence about the way they look and success rates of the same are elaborately documented in literature. The outcome of ear correction like any other surgical procedure are dependent on the extent to which your ears can be reshaped and what are your expectations from the same.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for ear correction surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for ear correction surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for ear correction surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for ear correction surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for ear correction surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
