Our Summary

This research paper talks about a new approach to treat “prominent ears,” a common birth defect where the ears stick out more than normal. In 2018, over 10,000 surgeries were done to correct this in the United States alone, with over a third of those being performed on men. The ultimate goal of these surgeries is to make the ear look normal, without any signs of surgery. The paper shares the authors’ favorite method to do this surgery, which reduces the size of a part of the ear that’s too large and makes the angles and folds of the ear look natural.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary goal of an otoplasty procedure?
  2. How common are ear deformities in the general population?
  3. What does the novel method of otoplasty detailed in the article aim to achieve?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include wearing a compression bandage or headband as directed, avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the ears, and keeping the surgical site clean and dry. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty include individuals with prominent ears, ear deformities, or asymmetrical ears. Otoplasty is often performed on children as young as five years old, as well as on adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. Candidates for otoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. 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:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation: The surgeon evaluates the patient’s ears and overall health to determine if they are a good candidate for otoplasty.
  3. Surgical planning: The surgeon develops a personalized surgical plan based on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcomes.

After otoplasty:

  1. Surgery: The otoplasty procedure is performed, typically under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
  2. Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery. They will need to wear a bandage or compression garment to support the ears during the initial healing process.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Results: The final results of otoplasty may not be fully visible until several months after surgery, as the ears continue to heal and settle into their new shape.
  5. Long-term care: The patient will need to follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and long-term results. Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor the results of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with otoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for otoplasty? Are there any factors that may affect the success of the procedure?
  3. Can you explain the otoplasty procedure in detail, including the anesthesia used, incision placement, and expected recovery time?
  4. What kind of results can I expect from otoplasty? Will the results be permanent?
  5. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the surgery?
  6. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty that I should consider?
  7. How much experience do you have performing otoplasty procedures?
  8. Can I see before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  9. What kind of post-operative care will be required after the surgery?
  10. How much will otoplasty cost, and will it be covered by my health insurance?

Reference

Authors: Savetsky IL, Cohen JM, Avashia YJ, Byrd HS. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Jul 1;148(1):28e-31e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008105. PMID: 34181607