Our Summary

This study is about a surgical method used to correct prominent ears, a condition that can cause psychological distress due to its appearance. The researchers used a combination of techniques on 28 patients between 2014 and 2020. The procedure involved removing excess skin and cartilage, reshaping the ear’s structure, and then closing the skin and bandaging the ear.

In the short term post-operation, a few patients experienced minor issues like blood pooling (hematoma) and superficial skin erosion. In the long term, a couple of patients developed overly thick scars on their ears, which were treated and resolved with medicine. A few had slight asymmetry between their ears, but it was not significant enough to need further intervention. No patients experienced severe complications like skin death (necrosis), infection, or noticeable irregularities in their ear cartilage.

The researchers concluded that this combined method of ear surgery was successful in creating symmetrical, smoothly contoured ears. They recommend using combined techniques in ear surgery rather than a single technique, as their results were satisfactory.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical method used in this study for the correction of prominent ears?
  2. What were some of the short and long term complications experienced by patients after the surgery?
  3. What was the conclusion of the researchers about the combined method of ear surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and optimize the results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could damage the healing tissue, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, patients should be patient with the healing process, as it can take time for swelling and bruising to fully resolve and for the final results to become apparent.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those with prominent ears or ears that stick out more than desired. This condition can cause psychological distress, especially in children and adolescents. Otoplasty is often recommended for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears and wish to improve their overall facial symmetry and aesthetics. Otoplasty can be performed on patients of all ages, including children as young as five years old. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and to be in good overall health before undergoing otoplasty.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  • Patient consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and expectations
  • Pre-operative assessment and planning
  • Consent forms and pre-operative instructions provided to the patient
  • Surgery scheduled and performed under anesthesia

After otoplasty:

  • Immediate post-operative care and monitoring in the recovery room
  • Bandages and dressing applied to protect the ears
  • Pain management and medication prescribed as needed
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress
  • Removal of bandages and stitches within a week post-surgery
  • Continued monitoring and follow-up appointments to assess long-term outcomes

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing otoplasty involves pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure, immediate post-operative care, and long-term follow-up to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need to wear any special bandages or garments after the surgery?
  4. What kind of scarring can I expect and how can it be minimized?
  5. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as exercise or wearing earrings?
  6. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure optimal results?
  8. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone otoplasty with you?
  10. What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery in terms of appearance and symmetry?

Reference

Authors: Olgun A, Dilber M. Journal: Eurasian J Med. 2022 Oct;54(3):281-284. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2022.22037. PMID: 36135947