Correction of protruding ears

Correction of protruding ears

The problem of protruding ears affects many people, both adults and those who suffer from low self-esteem already in childhood. Ear sticking out or ear asymmetry is most often hereditary, although it can happen as a result of an injury. Otoplasty, a surgical procedure that shapes the shape, position or size of the auricle, allows you to obtain a satisfactory and aesthetic appearance and thus improve the patient's comfort. Correction is performed both in the case of equal deviation of both auricles, but also when there is an asymmetrical extension of only one of them. Thanks to otoplasty, the degree of bending of the ears will decrease, they will become symmetrical and close to the head. Before the procedure, a consultation will be necessary, during which a specialist will conduct an interview, examination and suggest possible solutions. The method is selected individually and in consultation with the patient, taking into account his problem and expectations regarding the operation. Mental preparation is important for younger patients.

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 Contraindications

The group of people contraindicated to the procedure includes pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as patients during menstruation. An important exclusion factor is usually cancer, autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, blood clotting disorders, bacterial and viral infections, and the use of hearing aids. In the case of children, you should also pay attention to the minimum age for the procedure, i.e. about 6-7 years, when the ear is fully developed. Surgery is often suggested in older children (13-14 years old), as local anesthesia may be used instead of general anesthesia. It is very important that the motivation for the correction comes from the child and is not solely caused by the parents' desire.

The course of the procedure

The procedure in adult patients is most often performed under local anesthesia. However, it is possible to use general anesthesia and this is the method used for children. The procedure takes about an hour. An incision is made on the posterior surface of the auricle. Then the cartilage is modeled with appropriate incisions and internally inserted sutures. The location of the scar makes it almost imperceptible, which additionally has a positive effect on the patient's comfort after the procedure. If you have had local anesthesia, you can go home after the surgery. In the case of general anesthesia, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital for up to a day after the procedure.

Convalescence

There may be bruising and swelling in the ears immediately after the operation. There is also a high probability of developing pain of varying severity, which can be relieved with painkillers. In addition to applying dressings, the patient will also receive a tourniquet, which should be worn at least until the stitches are removed. It is also recommended to put it on at night for 2-3 weeks after the procedure to avoid mechanical injuries. Be careful not to get the dressings wet. External sutures are removed about 10-14 days after the procedure, unless dissolving sutures are worn. Thereafter, a 6-week follow-up is recommended. Care should be taken not to expose the ears to injuries, for example during contact sports, which is especially important for children. Physical effort is allowed only 3 weeks after the procedure. Avoid sunlight and visits to the sauna and solarium. For some time after surgery, the turbinate may be hypersensitive to touch or temperature changes. It is worth considering the possibility of side effects. In rare cases, the ear deviation returns due to the memory of the cartilage, through which the return to the position before the procedure takes place.


Source:
• Chirurgia plastyczna, Holle J., PZWL Wydawnictwo Lekarskie, Warszawa 2013.
• Podstawy medycyny estetycznej: podręcznik dla studentów kosmetologii, Przylipiak, A., Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, Białystok 2014.
• Chirurgia plastyczna, red. Witmanowski H., Jundziłł A., PZWL Wydawnictwo Lekarskie, Warszawa 2019.