Our Summary

The research paper is about a study conducted on people who underwent surgery for prominent ears, a condition that is common among Caucasians and affects about 5% of the population. The study was carried out at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital from January 2019 to June 2021. Out of 116 patients who had the surgery, only 44 qualified for the study. The study included a total of 85 surgeries, including both children and adults, as well as males and females. Some patients had surgery on both ears, while others had it on just one.

Out of the surgeries studied, 20% experienced complications. These ranged from the ear becoming prominent again, to different types of scars, infections, discomfort, wounds reopening, blood clots, and the ear being pulled back too much. However, the majority of patients (about 86%) were satisfied with their results.

This is the first study of its kind conducted in the Middle East. It showed that while complications can happen, they range from mild to severe, and most patients are happy with the outcome. The most common issue was the ear becoming prominent again. Serious complications like wounds reopening and blood clots were rare. One important thing to note is that this study only included a small number of patients, which is a limitation.

FAQs

  1. What is the percentage of patients who experienced complications after undergoing surgery for prominent ears based on the study?
  2. What were the most common complications experienced by patients who underwent surgery for prominent ears in the study?
  3. Based on the study, what percentage of patients were satisfied with the results of their otoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of complications and ensure optimal healing. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the ears, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or changes in their recovery process to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those who have prominent ears that cause them distress or affect their self-esteem. This can include both children and adults, as well as males and females. Otoplasty is often recommended for individuals who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery, and are motivated to undergo the procedure for personal reasons.

In the study conducted at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, the majority of patients who underwent otoplasty were satisfied with the results, despite some experiencing complications. It is important for patients considering otoplasty to discuss the risks and potential complications with their surgeon, as well as their expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Additionally, patients should be prepared for a recovery period following the procedure, during which they may experience discomfort and swelling.

Overall, otoplasty can be a beneficial procedure for individuals who are bothered by prominent ears, but it is important for patients to carefully consider the risks and potential complications before undergoing surgery.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and expectations
  • Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted
  • Patient undergoes the otoplasty surgery, which typically takes about 2-3 hours
  • Patient is monitored post-surgery in the recovery room before being discharged

After otoplasty:

  • Patient experiences some pain, swelling, and bruising around the ears, which typically lasts for a few days to a week
  • Patient may need to wear a dressing or bandage around the ears for a few days to protect the ears and promote healing
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures
  • Patient may need to avoid certain activities or wear a protective headband to prevent trauma to the ears during the initial healing period
  • Patient gradually sees improvement in the appearance of their ears over the following weeks and months

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing otoplasty involves pre-operative consultations and assessments, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and satisfactory results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after otoplasty surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. What kind of scarring can I expect after the surgery?
  5. How long will the results of otoplasty surgery last?
  6. What kind of post-operative care will be required?
  7. How many otoplasty surgeries have you performed in the past?
  8. Can you show me before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients?
  9. What are the chances of the ears becoming prominent again after surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with a detailed breakdown of the cost of the surgery and any potential additional fees?

Reference

Authors: AlAwadh I, Alassiry H, Bogari A, Alabduljabbar Z, AlDosari B. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Sep 1;33(6):1813-1815. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008455. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35013069