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FAQ OTOPLASTY
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A. What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the repair of abnormalities of the external
portion of the ear and is a very commonly requested
operation. The results are very satisfying to the
patient and family and often the outlook of the patient
will change dramatically after the operation.
This is particularly true with children. When ears
protrude notably or are abnormal in some way, children
are often teased by their peers. They are generally self
conscious and in some instances are shy and introverted
solely due to the constant teasing of their friends.
Adults will often wear their hair in ways that will hide
the ears. Many a mother has recounted how the
personality of their child blossomed after Otoplasty.
Some have noted improvement in school grades.
B. How is Otoplasty performed?
Except in children, the operation is performed using
Light Sleep Anesthesia. In children less than eight the
operation is always performed under general anesthesia.
All incisions are placed behind the ear so there are no
visible scars after the operation. If the ears are
protruding they may be rotated back. If some of the
natural folds are missing they are created. Missing or
abnormal sections of the ear may be constructed from
tissues taken from other parts of the ear or from other
areas of the body. Ears that have been injured, most
commonly in wrestling, and are thickened can be thinned
and sculpted. At the end of the operation a pressure
dressing is worn.
The operation is generally performed in children around
age six. The child generally follows instructions well
because (s)he is so happy to have the problem repaired
and pleased with the results.
C.Where are the incisions made?
The incisions will generally be made in the most
inconspicuous places as behind the ear or within the
natural folds and curvatures of the ear structure.
Discuss with your Dr Mounir the incisions he plans on
making for your desired results. Some removal of
cartilage may be necessary.
D. What should I expect post-operatively?
The pressure dressing is removed after five to seven
days. Children should be kept relatively quiet during
that time. The dressing should not get wet. After
removal of the dressing, a sweat band should be worn, at
night only, to protect the ears until the end of the
sixth post-operative week. Normal non-strenuous activity
may be resumed two days after surgery. The patient
should refrain from bending over for 3 weeks, keeping
the head higher than the heart during that time. Nor
should the patient sleep on his side for 3 weeks.
Routine exercise may begin at the end of the fourth
post-operative week. Contact sports may be restarted at
the end of the sixth post-operative week.
E. Is it quite painful? Is there much bruising?
It takes about a week and a half for most of the
swelling to subside, although it will be sensitive to
light to medium pressure for about 3 weeks. There is
really not much bruising with average cases, although it
should be looked upon as individual. Some are prone to
bruising more than others. There is normally very little
pain involved post-operatively.
F. When will I be able to see the results?
You shouldn't even peek at it for 5-7 days until the
pressure dressing is removed, If you do it could
increase infection or the results may be altered by your
tampering. Abide by your doctor's instructions and do
not attempt to remove the bandages unless he/she
specifically instructs it. After your dressings are
removed you will see an immediate difference in the
protuberance of the ear. Even though there will be some
residual swelling, the results are generally very
satisfying to the patient.
G. What are the risks of otoplasty?
The risks of the operation are bleeding and infection.
Both are exceedingly rare. With proper post-operative
care this is a very safe and satisfying operation that
carries very little risk, beautiful results, and almost
no discomfort from the operation itself.
The patient should note that the ears can often feel
numb for 2 to 3 months after the operation. The
sensation returns slowly over that time. This is the
reason that there is generally no pain in the
post-operative period. This fact makes the operation
exceptionally well tolerated in children.
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