Our Summary

The study focuses on the surgical procedure for “prominent ears”, a condition that can negatively affect a person’s mental and social well-being. Many surgical methods exist to correct this, but they often have high risk of complications and the problem recurring. The researchers in this study used a different method, which doesn’t involve stitches and claims to reduce these risks.

The method involves a specific kind of cartilage removal from the ear, which causes the ear to naturally fall back closer to the head without needing stitches. The study followed up with patients who had this surgery, checking for complications and asking them about their satisfaction with the results.

The study included 60 patients (120 ears), with an average age of 24. The complication rate was quite low at 6 percent. Some patients experienced minor skin damage or needed an additional adjustment to the ear. There were no cases of infection, internal bleeding, or excessive scarring. Patients reported being happy with the results.

In conclusion, the study suggests this stitchless method is a safe and effective treatment for prominent ears, with low risk of complications or the problem returning. The researchers recommend that surgeons consider this method as an alternative to traditional techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical method used in the study for correcting prominent ears?
  2. What is the rate of complications for the surgical method used in this study?
  3. What were the patient satisfaction rates following the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty using the stitchless method mentioned in the study is to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their surgeon before undergoing the procedure. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of what to expect and to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure optimal results. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their surgeon throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended otoplasty are those with prominent ears, also known as “bat ears” or “dumbo ears”, which can cause psychological distress and affect self-esteem. Otoplasty is often recommended for children who are being bullied or teased due to the appearance of their ears, as well as adults who are unhappy with the shape or size of their ears. Patients with asymmetrical ears or ears that stick out too far from the head may also benefit from otoplasty.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences dissatisfaction with the appearance of their prominent ears.
  2. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss otoplasty as a potential solution.
  3. Patient undergoes a pre-operative evaluation to determine eligibility for surgery.
  4. Surgical date is scheduled, and patient receives pre-operative instructions.

After otoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes the otoplasty procedure, which involves cartilage removal without stitches.
  2. Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications.
  3. Patient may experience minor skin damage or require additional adjustments to the ear.
  4. Patient reports being satisfied with the results of the surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal outcomes.
  6. Patient experiences improved self-esteem and mental well-being due to the correction of their prominent ears.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific method of otoplasty being used in this study and how does it differ from traditional techniques?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this stitchless otoplasty method?
  3. How long is the recovery period following this type of otoplasty surgery?
  4. What kind of results can I expect in terms of the appearance of my ears after the surgery?
  5. How many surgeries of this type have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to ensure optimal results?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery to monitor my progress?
  8. How long do the results of this type of otoplasty typically last?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to maintain the results of the surgery?
  10. What are the alternatives to otoplasty if I am not satisfied with the results?

Reference

Authors: Gualdi A, Cambiaso-Daniel J, Gatti J, Wurzer P, Sljivich M, Scherer SS, Pietramaggiori G, Bertossi D, Botti C, Botti G. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Mar;141(3):348e-356e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004175. PMID: 29481393