Our Summary

The research paper discusses a common issue of prominent ears, especially in children, that can lead to psychological stress due to negative comments from peers. Prominent ears occur due to one or more birth defects and the most common ones include the absence of antihelical fold (an inner fold of the ear), opening the cephalo-conchal angle (the angle between the head and the ear), and conchal hypertrophy (enlargement of the ear’s concha).

The paper explains a surgical procedure to correct these defects by reshaping the cartilage to get a normal-looking ear. The surgery involves an incision at the back of the ear, removal of post-auricular muscle, and the modeling of the antihelical fold to restore a natural look. The concha is then attached securely to the pre-mastoid periosteum (a membrane that covers the mastoid part of the skull), which results in closing the cephalo-conchal angle.

The goal of the surgery is to create a natural and lasting appearance of the ear. Surgeons can adapt the procedure to their needs for the best results, with the main goal of avoiding complications like infection, which is rare.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common birth defects that lead to prominent ears?
  2. What does the surgical procedure to correct prominent ears involve?
  3. What is the main goal of the otoplasty surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering otoplasty to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding strenuous activities that could put pressure on the ears, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Additionally, the doctor may recommend wearing a supportive headband or bandage over the ears to protect them during the initial healing period. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful outcome from their otoplasty procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended otoplasty include:

  1. Children or adolescents with prominent ears who are experiencing psychological distress or bullying due to the appearance of their ears.
  2. Adults who are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears and wish to improve their overall facial symmetry.
  3. Patients with congenital ear deformities such as a missing antihelical fold, a wide cephalo-conchal angle, or conchal hypertrophy.
  4. Individuals who have suffered trauma to the ear resulting in deformity or asymmetry.
  5. Patients who have undergone previous otoplasty surgery and are unhappy with the results or experiencing complications.

It is important for patients considering otoplasty to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and options.

Timeline

Before the otoplasty procedure:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative assessment: The surgeon examines the patient’s ears to determine the best approach for the surgery.
  3. Surgical planning: The surgeon creates a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs and desired outcomes.

After the otoplasty procedure:

  1. Immediate post-operative care: The patient is monitored in the recovery room and given instructions on how to care for their ears post-surgery.
  2. Initial healing phase: The patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days after surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and ensure optimal results.
  4. Long-term results: Over time, the ears will heal and the final results of the surgery will become apparent, leading to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time for otoplasty surgery?
  3. Will there be any scarring after the surgery, and if so, how noticeable will it be?
  4. How long do the results of otoplasty typically last?
  5. Will there be any limitations on activities or lifestyle changes needed post-surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  7. How many otoplasty surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will there be any follow-up appointments needed after the surgery?
  9. Can I see before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  10. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty that may be effective in correcting prominent ears?

Reference

Authors: Ellart J, Guerreschi P, Pasquesoone L, Duquennoy-Martinot V. Journal: Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2016 Oct;61(5):703-712. doi: 10.1016/j.anplas.2016.05.007. Epub 2016 Jun 8. PMID: 27289547