Otoplasty is surgical operation on ears, which includes elimination of otapostasis (protruding ears) of one or both ears, surgical correction of the earlobe, shape and size of the auricles. The restoration of the auricle, its normal shape and size is called reconstructive otoplasty.

Indications for otoplasty

Indications for the auricle correction include:

  • otapostasis (protruding ears);
  • asymmetry of the auricles;
  • microtia (congenital maldevelopment of the auricles);
  • damage or deformation of the auricles due to injuries;
  • earlobe plasty for ears damaged by wearing massive jewelry or an unsuccessful piercing.

Contraindications

The otoplasty procedure is a relatively simple operation with a minimum of possible complications and contraindications.

Contraindications to ear plastic surgery:

  • bleeding disorders,
  • diabetes mellitus,
  • inflammatory diseases of the ears,
  • infectious diseases,
  • any disease in acute form,
  • oncological diseases,
  • hepatitis.

Types of otoplasty

Otoplasty can be aesthetic or reconstructive.

Aesthetic otoplasty usually implies a small intervention: during the operation, the surgeon eliminates the external defect by changing the location, size or shape of the auricle. The operation takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Reconstructive otoplasty is aimed at full or partial restoration of the lost / absent auricle (using a graft (cartilage material) from the patient’s rib as reconstructive material).

The period of reconstructive correction is divided into several stages: the formation of the ear cartilage as the basis of the future ear, the formation of the auricle itself and the final aesthetic correction. The total duration of all procedures is about a year.

  • Correction of protruding ears in adults and children
  • Correction of asymmetry of the auricles
  • Microtia
  • Ear surgery after injuries

Preparation for surgery

Before performing otoplasty, it is necessary to undergo an examination, which includes blood, urine, glucose testing, ECG, as well as a obligatory consultation with an anesthetist. You can go through all the necessary tests and preoperative examinations in the EMC clinic.

Rehabilitation period

The doctor gives detailed recommendations for further rehabilitation, prescribes analgesics to eliminate possible pain. Postoperative edema may occur during the first days.

Every 1-2 days, within 10-14 days after otoplasty, the patient visits the surgeon for dressings, monitoring the healing process of tissues and avoiding possible complications. A bandage fixing the auricles should be worn for about a week after the operation.