Otoplasty is a surgical procedure during which the shape of the ear is corrected. The visible part of the ear is also known as auricle – this is the term typically used by clinicians. Otoplasty can be done to correct a number of aesthetic issues. Most often, such intervention is performed for prominent ears, asymmetry, or deformation of the auricle.
Prominent ears do not harm a person’s health but can damage self-esteem and confidence. Some people don’t mind this anatomical feature, though desire to eliminate it is not uncommon. The issue can only be fixed by the means of aesthetic surgery.
Otoplasty involves surgical manipulation aimed at correcting the shape of auricles. With its help, the aesthetics of the appearance can be improved, and protruding ears can be reduced, as well as their placement can be modified. This type of surgery is also an effective solution for acquired or innate deformities of the ear auricle. The procedure is considered to one of the simple cosmetic surgery interventions and is renowned for its safety and efficiency.
Otoplasty can be either aesthetic or reconstructive. The first type of procedure is used for minor external defects, while the second method addresses serious issues (such as significant congenital or acquired deformities).
A certain percentage of people suffer from excessively protruding or improperly shaped ears. The most effective way to address this issue is otoplasty.
The complexity of the procedure depends on the problem. The simplest is the correction of protruding ears with a proper ear shape. However, asymmetry or auricle deformation requires more complex corrective work. Otoplasty can be performed on one or both ears. Such decisions are made by the operating surgeon after an examination and identification of aesthetic defects and the patient’s vision of the outcome.
Typical indications for otoplasty are listed below:
However, otoplasty is contraindicated in cases of impaired blood clotting, cancer in active stage, hepatitis, AIDS, acute infections, ear diseases, mental disorders, significant impairment of cardiac or renal function. It is also recommended to avoid the procedure during pregnancy and lactation.
Local anaesthesia is typically used for the surgery, but at the patient’s request, general anesthesia or a sedative can be used. Though methods of general anaesthesia require additional preliminary consultation with an anesthesiologist.
