Our Summary

This study looked at a new method for otoplasty, which is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. The research was carried out on patients who had ears that stick out or are oddly shaped. The surgery used a new technique that avoids damaging the cartilage in the ear.

The results of the study showed that this new method is safe and effective. The study included 147 patients (or 288 ears) and followed up with them for an average of about 2 years after their surgery. Most of the complications that came up after surgery were minor and included things like exposure of the sutures (stitches), pain, swelling, minor bleeding, and some skin issues.

In a few cases, the ear partially went back to its original position, but this resolved on its own. In a very small number of cases, the ear fully went back to its original position, but these patients had the option to have the surgery again if they wanted.

The study also found that age didn’t have any significant impact on complications after surgery and that males might be slightly more likely to have swelling after surgery than females, but the difference was not significant.

Overall, the study concluded that this new method for otoplasty is a good option for people who have protruding or oddly shaped ears. It’s safe, has a low risk of complications, and the results last a long time and look good.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method of otoplasty that this study was conducted on?
  2. What were the common complications that occurred after the surgery?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in post-surgery complications based on age or gender?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding sleeping on the side of the head that was operated on, wearing a protective headband as recommended, and keeping the surgical site clean and dry. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended otoplasty are those who have protruding or oddly shaped ears. This can include individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears, have experienced teasing or bullying due to the shape of their ears, or have a congenital deformity such as prominent ears. Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults, but it is often recommended for children around the age of 5 or 6 when their ear cartilage is fully developed.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a good candidate.
  2. Pre-operative appointments are scheduled to discuss expectations, risks, and to take measurements of the ears.
  3. Surgery date is set and patient prepares by following pre-operative instructions such as avoiding certain medications and food.

After otoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
  2. Patient is monitored post-operatively for a few hours before being discharged to go home.
  3. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and remove any sutures.
  5. Patient is advised to wear a headband or bandage around the ears to protect them during the initial healing period.
  6. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which time the ears may be sensitive and swollen.
  7. Final results of the surgery become apparent over the next few months as swelling subsides and the ears settle into their new position.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific technique will you be using for my otoplasty surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty?
  3. How long is the recovery period after otoplasty surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear any special garments or bandages after the surgery?
  5. What kind of scarring can I expect after otoplasty and how can it be minimized?
  6. How long do the results of otoplasty typically last?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after otoplasty surgery?
  8. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  10. What is the cost of otoplasty and will my insurance cover any part of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Gilron S, Weiss N, Kouniavski E, Egozi D, Dolgunin L, Benkler M. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024 Dec;99:209-220. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.09.031. Epub 2024 Sep 17. PMID: 39383673