Our Summary

This paper is about a study comparing two different tools used in ear correction surgery (otoplasty): puncture needles and rasps. The researchers used a combination of two well-established techniques for fixing a common ear deformity. They wanted to see if there were any differences in the outcomes of the surgery, whether different complications arose, and how patients felt about the results.

They randomly assigned 42 patients who had never had ear surgery before to either the needle or the rasp technique. All surgeries were performed by a first-year plastic surgery resident between 2014 and 2019. Patients were checked on several times after the surgery and their results were evaluated by four other plastic surgeons who didn’t know which technique had been used.

The results showed that there were no significant differences in the overall outcomes, symmetry, and shape of the ear, or in the occurrence of cartilage fractures between the two techniques. Most patients (95%) were happy with their results. However, the needle technique resulted in less swelling after surgery and took less time.

In conclusion, both tools can be effectively used in this type of ear surgery, even by less experienced surgeons. However, the puncture needle has the advantage of causing less post-surgery swelling and being faster, as well as not needing any special surgical instrument.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on ear correction surgery tools?
  2. What were the results of the study comparing the puncture needle and rasp techniques in otoplasty?
  3. Did the study find any advantage of using the puncture needle over the rasp in otoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best results. This may include wearing a headband or bandage to protect the ears, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ears, and keeping the surgical site clean and dry. Additionally, it’s important to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those with prominent or protruding ears, asymmetrical ears, or ear deformities that affect their self-esteem or confidence. Otoplasty is often performed on children or adolescents, but adults can also undergo the procedure to correct the appearance of their ears. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand the risks and potential outcomes of the surgery before undergoing otoplasty.

Timeline

Before the otoplasty procedure, a patient typically schedules a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s ears and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Once the patient decides to proceed with otoplasty, they will schedule a date for the surgery and receive pre-operative instructions.

During the otoplasty procedure, the patient will be placed under anesthesia, and the surgeon will make incisions behind the ears to access the cartilage. The cartilage will then be reshaped and repositioned to create a more symmetrical and natural-looking appearance. The incisions will be closed with sutures, and the patient will be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged home.

After the otoplasty procedure, the patient will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the ears. The surgeon will provide post-operative instructions for care and pain management. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures.

Over time, the swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and the final results of the otoplasty will become more apparent. Most patients are satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and experience improved self-confidence and self-esteem due to their enhanced ear appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about otoplasty include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care?
  3. Can you show me before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to wear any special bandages or garments after the surgery?
  7. What kind of scarring can I expect after the procedure and how can it be minimized?
  8. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to correct my ear deformity?
  9. How long will the results of the surgery last?
  10. What should I do if I have any concerns or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zanin EM, Maximiliano J, Oliveira ACP, Arpini NE, Duarte DW, Portinho CP, Collares MVM. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021 Apr;45(2):521-527. doi: 10.1007/s00266-020-01972-z. Epub 2020 Oct 29. PMID: 33123781