Why do Otoplasty?
The outer ear has a secondary function of hearing. However, it also contributes to the appearance of a person.
Certain individuals might feel that their ears are excessively conspicuous, and this can cause humiliation and mental trouble. In fact, some research shows that having prominent ears can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and mistrust.
For this reason, some people choose surgery. Some parents and caregivers may order surgery for their children before they start school.
Is treatment always necessary?
Treatment is not always necessary. Some violations will be resolved without intervention.
The right time to perform Otoplasty is when the child is 5-6 years old and 90% of the growth of his ears is complete. This is the oldest recommended age. However, a person can undergo the treatment at any age after that.
A non-surgical technique known as ear molding or splinting can be effective if the child begins treatment in the first 2-3 weeks of life.
What causes protruding ears?
The external ear is as a rule at a point of around 21-30 degrees to the side of the head. If the angle is more than 30 degrees, the ears will appear as “protruding”.
This can happen if genetic traits or health conditions affect the growth of cartilage, or if an injury affects the shape of the ears. However, the presence of prominent ears should not affect a person’s hearing.
Noticeable ears might run in families, yet they frequently happen arbitrarily. About 30% of babies with prominent ears have ears that look normal at birth but then begin to change shape in the first three months of life.
Research indicates that prominent ears affect about 5% of Caucasians.
What to expect during treatment
Various techniques can reduce the protrusion of the ears.
Ear molding or splinting
This is a safe, simple procedure that is appropriate for infants during the first few weeks of life. This is when the cartilage in the ears is at its thinnest. By the time an infant is 6-7 weeks old, the cartilage begins to harden.
During this technique, the specialist will utilize a brace to reshape the delicate ligament. The brace upholds the ear and keeps it in the new position.
Various types of orthosis are available. It is made of soft, flexible and moldable material.
The surgeon will attach the splint to the ear with surgical tape. Parents and caregivers should leave the cast in place 24 hours a day and take the child to the doctor for regular checkups. The infant may need to wear the cast for a few weeks to a few months.
After 6 months, the ear cartilage will become very difficult to reshape with splints.
Otoplasty
A plastic surgeon usually performs Otoplasty. However, sometimes an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or pediatric surgeon will do this.
The surgeon will use a general anesthetic for the child and a local anesthetic for an adult. Then they make an incision behind the ear and place stitches, which may be permanent, to hold back the outer ear. In some cases, they may remove some of the cartilage.
The incision will leave a thin scar, but it is behind the ear and will fade over time.
Surgery without incisions
A few sorts of a medical procedure don’t need an entry point. For these, the recuperation time might be quicker, with a lower hazard of difficulties.
During this system, the specialist will put a needle into the ligament to build its adaptability. Then, at that point, they will utilize lines to reshape or fix the ear.
In a study of a modified version of this technique, 94% of trusted people said the appearance of their ears had improved. In any case, more examination might be important to affirm its wellbeing and adequacy.
Additionally, this kind of method may not be appropriate for everybody. For example, if a person’s protruding ears are caused by increased cartilage in the ear conchae, they will need formal otoplasty. This is because the surgeon needs to cut a portion of the cartilage through an incision in the skin.