Otoplasty: Types, Procedure, Benefits, and Risks

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical treatment that reshapes and repositions the ears. It is also known as ear surgery or ear pinning.

In this article, we’ve covered the different types of otoplasty, the procedure itself, and the benefits and potential risks associated with it. Whether it’s correcting prominent ears, resizing large ears, or improving facial harmony, otoplasty offers people an opportunity to enhance the appearance of their ears and boost their self-confidence. However, it’s crucial to understand the procedure and its potential implications before making an informed decision.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a surgical operation used to modify the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. It is primarily done to correct prominent or protruding ears, but it can also address other cosmetic concerns such as resizing large ears, reshaping misshapen ears, or reconstructing ears affected by injury or birth defects.

Types of Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty procedures come in several forms.

Ear Augmentation – The size of the outer ear can be increased by a surgery called ear augmentation. In most cases, people with small ears or those who have not fully developed normal-sized ears may wish to have this procedure done.

Ear pinning – This procedure involves pulling the ears towards the head. It is made for people whose ears look like they are sticking out from the sides of their heads.

Ear reduction – Macrotia is a condition in which the size of your ears is larger than normal. People suffering from macrotia may prefer elective ear reduction surgery. This may also include earlobe reduction.

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?

Anyone who is disturbed by the way their ears look and has fully developed ears (must be at least preschool age) may be a candidate for otoplasty. Improvements in appearance are one of the main benefits of ear pinning surgery, and many elect to have it to boost their confidence and self-esteem. While achieving perfect symmetry may not always be possible, otoplasty can improve a patient’s look by altering the shape and placement of the ears concerning the skull.

Otoplasty Procedure Steps

Anesthesia

As you have surgery, medications are given to make you more comfortable. You can choose between local anesthetic, intravenous sedation, or both. The one that is ideal for you will be suggested by your healthcare professional.

The incision

Surgical methods are used to diminish enlarged turbinate cartilage (the biggest and deepest concavity of the outer ear) and to generate or enhance the antihelical fold immediately within the ear border and correct the protruding ears.

The rear of the ear is often the site of the otoplasty incisions. When a front ear incision is required, it is performed within the folds of the ear to conceal it. Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and fix the newly formed cartilage in place.

Closing the incisions

The incision is stitched shut on the outside. Individualized techniques are used, being careful not to deform other structures or give the illusion of being “pinned back” unnaturally.

Watch the outcome

When it comes to protruding ears, ear surgery delivers benefits that are almost immediately apparent when the bandages that supported the ear’s new form throughout the early stages of recovery are removed. Surgery scars are either successfully hidden behind the ear or inside the creases of the ear.

Otoplasty Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, otoplasty surgery carries some risks, such as the potential for hemorrhage, infection, and an unfavorable anesthetic response.

The following are additional risks of otoplasty:

• The scars will most likely be beneath or inside your ear folds, and they will be permanent.
• Changes made during the healing process might lead to asymmetry in the location of the ears. Furthermore, pre-existing asymmetries might not be properly corrected by surgery.
• Your ears being moved about during otoplasty may momentarily impair your ability to feel the skin there. It can be rarely lasting modifications.
• There’s a chance that the surgical tape or other substances used before, during, or after the treatment will cause an allergic response.
• The stitches that were used to fix the ear’s new shape can push through the skin and need to be taken out. The skin that is being damaged by this may become inflamed. You could therefore require additional surgery.
• Otoplasty surgery can create artificial contours that give the appearance that ears are pinned back.

Otoplasty Recovery Process

• There is often little to no discomfort. Medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, are used to treat pain.
• To guarantee the proper alignment and safeguarding of your new ears, bandages will be placed around your head. This must remain on for the prescribed amount of time.
• Swelling is expected and usually worst within 72 hours following surgery. Warm compresses are advised after intermittent cold compresses for the first 72 hours.
• The swelling is greatly reduced 7 days after surgery.
• After 10 days, the majority of patients go back to work or school.
• In the case that nonabsorbable sutures are used, they are removed in the clinic 5-7 days following surgery.
• Your ears will typically recover after 12 months. By three months, you should see the majority of the swelling go down.

Pros and Cons of Otoplasty

The Advantages of Otoplasty

A person can benefit greatly from otoplasty. The improvement in look is one of the most significant advantages of otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery. The patient will appear significantly better following surgery. This issue can have an impact on a person’s mood and provide psychological gratification. Otoplasty also has the benefit of being far less hazardous than other surgical treatments. It has few side effects but gets better with time.

The otoplasty recovery process may last from one week to two months. Other than probable infection and bleeding, you won’t need to worry about anything at this period since you are in good physical health and do not have any hearing issues.

Otoplasty cost is better than other recent surgical innovations. The issues and flaws of the ear can only be fixed permanently by otoplasty, which is a one-time treatment.

The Disadvantages of Otoplasty

The fact that sutures and scars are left behind after cosmetic ear surgery is one of its drawbacks. Doctors always work to keep the incision out of reach because of this. An ideal spot to make an incision, for instance, is inside the earlobe folds or behind the ear. In any case, the suture remains there, just as with any other wound, although it may be significantly diminished with the aid of different creams for skin restoration. The otoplasty operation, on the other hand, is rather permanent and does not require re-doing.

People will need to have otoplasty surgery once again if the corners do not match the face and head following the aesthetic procedure. It is crucial to consult a skilled surgeon for this reason. The wound may become infected and hemorrhage if it is untreated. The bleeding happens normally in some cases, it is necessary to visit the doctor right away to have your ear re-examined again and avoid any potential issues.

Another disadvantage that might happen to certain patients that can be brought on by the surgeon’s inexperience is that the patient’s corners might not be perfectly symmetrical after surgery. However, this procedure will often produce excellent results without any negative effects.

Otoplasty vs. Pinnaplasty

Both surgical procedures involve reshaping the ears, but they differ in their techniques and goals. Otoplasty, commonly known as cosmetic ear surgery, is a surgical treatment used to alter the form, position, or size of the ears. It is typically used to repair projecting ears, lower the size of huge ears, or reshape ears damaged by an accident or congenital deformities.

Pinnaplasty, often known as ear pinning, is an otoplasty procedure that corrects projecting ears. It entails modifying the ear cartilage to move it closer to the skull and provide a more natural-looking ear shape.

While both procedures are safe and effective, pinnaplasty is a more specialized technique that is typically used for patients with protruding ears, while otoplasty can address a wider range of ear deformities.

It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon to determine which procedure is best suited to one’s individual needs and goals.

Choose The Best Clinic

Our skilled surgeons specialize in various otoplasty techniques, tailoring the procedure to your unique needs and desired outcome. With our state-of-the-art clinic and commitment to patient safety, you can trust us to provide the highest quality care throughout your otoplasty journey.

Don’t let dissatisfaction with your ears hold you back any longer. Contact us today at +90 (536) 934 6524 and schedule a consultation with our expert team. Together, we can transform your appearance and help you achieve the ear aesthetics you’ve always desired.