An otoplasty is a procedure to change the shape of the ears.
The ears complete their last changes in shape in the last few
weeks before birth. When they do not complete the process of folding
and obtaining final form prior to birth, one may acquire a congenital
lop or cup ear deformity. This gives abnormal projection of the
ear from the side of the face. Interestingly, grandmothers were
right when they suggested taping the protruding baby’s ear
to the side of the head. If the newborns ear is splinted within
the first five days of life, normal shape can be obtained without
surgery.
If surgery is required, it is advised to wait until the child
is a proximally five years old, when the ear is fully structurally
developed. Most parents would attempt to have the problem corrected
before seven years of age to avoid a negative psychological impact
on the child. Many adults, however, also seek otoplasty when it
is not been made available in childhood.
Adult otoplasty
Concept - The procedure
is carried out by making incisions behind the ear. The cartilaginous
structures are then dissected, cartilage is appropriately reshaped
or removed, and sutures are placed to stabilize structure. After
the procedure is completed, the head dressing is applied, which
stays in place approximately one-week. The procedure may be performed
under local anesthesia and in an office setting for adults and
in surgicenter environment with anesthesia or deep sedation for
children.
In some cases, the ear may be, in part, or totally missing. These
situations often require staged procedures with cartilage grafts
from the rib and local skin flaps.
Surgical
Procedures
