Our Summary

This paper is about how complex it can be to perform surgery on the ear due to the wide range of abnormalities that can occur. These can range from slightly protruding ears to severe conditions like microtia, where the ear is underdeveloped, and anotia, where the ear is completely missing. The authors of the paper have a lot of experience in this area and they provide a brief overview of these ear abnormalities and the different ways they can be treated.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the ear abnormalities that can be treated with otoplasty?
  2. What are microtia and anotia, and how can they be addressed through surgery?
  3. How complex is ear surgery according to the authors of the paper?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, quitting smoking to promote proper healing, and maintaining good overall health leading up to the surgery. Additionally, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and to communicate openly with the surgeon about any concerns or questions. Following post-operative care instructions diligently can also help to minimize complications and ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty include those with prominent ears that stick out too far from the head, asymmetrical ears, ears that are misshapen or irregularly sized, and those with congenital abnormalities like microtia or anotia. Otoplasty can also be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the ear, such as a cauliflower ear from repeated trauma or a torn earlobe from an earring. Overall, otoplasty is recommended for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears and wish to improve their self-confidence and overall aesthetic appearance.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the desired outcome and to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for otoplasty.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests may be conducted to ensure the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. The surgical procedure is explained to the patient, including the risks and potential complications.
  4. The patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications and to avoid smoking before the surgery.
  5. The patient may need to make arrangements for transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of the procedure.

After otoplasty:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve wearing a headband or bandage over the ears to protect them and promote proper healing.
  2. Pain and discomfort may be managed with prescribed medications.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
  4. Instructions on how to care for the ears post-surgery, including avoiding certain activities that could impact the healing process.
  5. Gradual return to normal activities and daily routine, with full results of the otoplasty becoming apparent over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for otoplasty?
  3. Can you provide before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. How long will the results of otoplasty last?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for correcting ear abnormalities?
  7. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. Will there be any scarring after the surgery and how can it be minimized?
  9. What is the cost of otoplasty and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of the appearance and function of the ears?

Reference

Authors: Siegert R, Magritz R. Journal: Facial Plast Surg. 2019 Aug;35(4):377-386. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1693745. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31470466