Our Summary

This research paper is all about a surgical procedure used to correct “prominent ear,” a condition where the ears stick out more than usual. This is a common reason why kids might be referred to a plastic surgeon.

There are many ways to perform this surgery and there has been some debate about the best method. Some recent studies have suggested that a method called “cartilage-scoring,” which involves making cuts in the ear’s cartilage, can lead to more serious complications than other methods that only use sutures (stitches). This has led to some doctors using the cartilage-scoring method less frequently.

However, the authors of this study have been using the cartilage-scoring method for over 20 years and have found it to be very successful. They looked back at all of the cases they performed between 2005 and 2015, which included over 2300 ear corrections, and found that the cartilage-scoring method had a lower rate of complications and fewer cases where a second surgery was needed compared to the suture-only method.

The authors conclude that in the right circumstances, the cartilage-scoring method can be a very effective and safe option for treating prominent ear.

FAQs

  1. What is the cartilage-scoring method in otoplasty?
  2. What are the potential complications of the cartilage-scoring method and how do they compare to the suture-only method?
  3. According to the study, how effective is the cartilage-scoring method in treating prominent ear?

Doctor’s Tip

Additionally, a doctor might advise a patient undergoing otoplasty to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the incision sites clean and dry, avoiding activities that could put strain on the ears, wearing a protective headband as recommended, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those who have prominent ears that stick out more than usual, often due to genetics. This condition can be a source of insecurity or teasing for children, leading them to seek corrective surgery. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14, as the ear cartilage is still malleable at this age, making it easier to reshape.

Adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears may also choose to undergo otoplasty. This procedure can improve the symmetry and proportion of the ears, leading to a more balanced facial appearance. Patients with conditions such as macrotia (abnormally large ears) or constricted ears may also benefit from otoplasty.

Overall, otoplasty is recommended for patients who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, and are motivated to undergo the procedure for personal reasons. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if otoplasty is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a good candidate for otoplasty
  • Pre-operative appointments are scheduled to discuss the procedure, risks, and expectations
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure
  • Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking 1-2 hours
  • The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear and either uses sutures or cartilage-scoring to reshape the ear and pin it back closer to the head
  • Patient wakes up in a recovery room and may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage pain

After otoplasty:

  • Patient will need to wear a headband or bandage around the ears for several weeks to support the healing process and maintain the new ear shape
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove sutures if necessary
  • Patient may experience temporary numbness or discomfort around the surgical site
  • Swelling and bruising will gradually improve over the following weeks
  • Patient can typically return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, but should avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for several weeks
  • Final results of otoplasty may not be fully visible until several months after surgery, as the ears continue to settle into their new position

Overall, patients can expect a gradual improvement in the appearance of their ears and increased self-confidence following otoplasty. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How experienced are you in performing otoplasty procedures?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  4. What is the typical recovery time for otoplasty surgery?
  5. Can you show me before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  6. Will there be visible scarring after the surgery? If so, how noticeable will it be?
  7. How long will the results of otoplasty surgery last?
  8. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty that I should consider?
  9. What should I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up appointments?
  10. What are the costs associated with otoplasty surgery, and will my insurance cover any part of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: McGarry KM, Khadim MF, McBride M, Martin S, Moorehead A, Rashid A, Hill C, Fogarty B. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 Mar 1;151(3):388e-397e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009908. Epub 2022 Nov 19. PMID: 36730490