About Prominent Ears
The correction of protruded ears requires a surgical operation, called “otoplasty”, that aims to reorganize the cartilages considered to make the ear excessively visible. The operation is usually carried out on the two ears, but can sometimes be unilateral. Schematically there are three types of ear malformations, which are often more or less associated between them:
The skin is then elevated in order to reach the cartilage then the cartilages are reshaped by certain small incisions and sutures in some cases sutures on the skin have to be withdrawn 10 days after the operation.
It is carried out with elastic bands around the head in order to maintain the ears in the right position. According to the surgeon and importance of malformations to be corrected, a bilateral otoplastie can last around two hours in total.
Pain is usually moderated and, if necessary, treated with painkillers during few days. A check-up consultation with the surgeon is essential. The first large dressing will be removed between second and the fifth post-operative day. Then, a lighter dressing for few days will replace it. The ears will appear swollen which is normal a transitory period that does not compromise the final result. As a security measure, an elastic band (tennis band) is asked to be worn day and night during two weeks and then only during night for few more days. During this period, physical-activities and sports with risk of contact will have to be avoided. The exposure to cold weather is not advised for at least two months.
The result can be fully appreciated from the second post-operative month. At this point the tissues are softer and the edema (swelling) reabsorbed. At the end of this period, only the scars will still be a little bit marked. This surgery makes it possible to correct the anomalies and to obtain symmetrical, natural and harmonious ears. In the large majority of the cases, the results are definitive. However, a recurrence can possibly occur in the medium term, being then possible to require a small correction.
Prominent Ears & Methods of Treatment.
Aesthetics surgery
This procedure is normally performed under local anesthesia, however in the need of a general anesthesia, an appointment with the anesthetist will be schedule at the least 48 hours before the surgery.
Drugs containing aspirin should be stopped 10 days preceding the surgery. For boys, a quite short haircut is desirable. For girls, ponytail will suffice. The head and hair should carefully be washed the day before operation.
Accoring to the type of anesthesia, it may be necessary to avoid drinking or eating 6 hours before the surgery.
An otoplasty, although simple and primarily carried out for aesthetic motivations, it is a nevertheless surgical procedure, which implies the same risks as per others surgical acts.
Although extremely rare we have to distinguish the complications related to the anesthesia from those related to the surgery. Concerning the anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will explain the risk and answer the patient’s questions during a pre-op consultation. Today’s technology allows practicing anesthesia under the best safety conditions for the patient and the surgical team.
With regard to the surgical procedure: choosing a qualified surgeon minimizes any risk. Fortunately, the serious complications are very rare and the patients are fully satisfied with their result.
However, the possible complications are: Post-operative bleeding, hecatomb formation which often needs to be evacuated, infection (very rare), cutaneous necrosis secondary to disorders of circulation on the very fine skin and scar abnormalities.
Aesthetics
Dressing
It is carried out with elastic bands around the head in order to maintain the ears in the right position. According to the surgeon and importance of malformations to be corrected, a bilateral otoplastie can last around two hours in total.
Time of work
It is carried out with elastic bands around the head in order to maintain the ears in the right position. According to the surgeon and importance of malformations to be corrected, a bilateral otoplastie can last around two hours in total.
The results
The result can be fully appreciated from the second post-operative month. At this point the tissues are softer and the edema (swelling) reabsorbed. At the end of this period, only the scars will still be a little bit marked.
Type of Anaesthesia and Hospitalisation
Three options are possible;
1- Pure local anesthesia, where a product analgesic is locally injected in order to ensure the insensitivity of the ears.
2 - Local anesthesia deepened by a relaxant.
3 - Traditonal general anesthesia. The choice between these different techniques will result of a discussion between you, the surgeon and the anesthetist.
Hospitalization: Usually the operation is practiced in “ambulatory” basis, meaning that the patient is discharged the same day after few hours of monitoring. However, in certain cases, a short hospitalization can be preferred.
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