Our Summary

This research paper is about the treatment of prominent ears, a condition that affects about 5% of people and can cause significant psychological distress. Many different methods have been developed to correct this issue, all aiming to restore the normal appearance of the ears and to make them look symmetrical. Recently, there has been a shift towards less invasive procedures. This includes methods that don’t require surgery, such as molding the ears of newborns, as well as surgical techniques that are less harmful to the cartilage of the ear. There are even procedures that can be done in a doctor’s office without making any cuts. The paper discusses the structure of the outer ear, how patients are evaluated, how treatment methods have developed, the results of ear correction procedures, and what future treatments might look like.

FAQs

  1. What is the main goal of otoplasty techniques?
  2. What are some of the recent trends in otoplasty techniques?
  3. What are some future trends for the treatment of prominent ears?

Doctor’s Tip

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

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those with prominent ears that are causing psychological distress or impacting their self-esteem. This can include individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears, have experienced teasing or bullying due to the shape or size of their ears, or want to correct asymmetry between their ears. Otoplasty is often recommended for both children and adults, with the procedure being most commonly performed in children between the ages of 4 and 14. However, otoplasty can also be performed on older patients who have been unhappy with the appearance of their ears for many years.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns about their prominent ears and to determine if they are a good candidate for otoplasty.
  2. Pre-operative assessment: The surgeon evaluates the patient’s ear anatomy, discusses the goals of the surgery, and outlines the potential risks and benefits.
  3. Surgical planning: The surgeon develops a customized surgical plan based on the patient’s individual needs and desired outcomes.

After otoplasty:

  1. Surgery: The otoplasty procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the correction needed. The surgeon may use techniques such as cartilage scoring, cartilage reshaping, or sutures to reposition the ears closer to the head.
  2. Recovery: After surgery, the patient will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. The patient will need to wear a headband or bandage around the ears to support the new shape during the initial healing phase.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several post-operative appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process, remove any sutures or dressings, and ensure optimal results.
  4. Long-term results: Over time, the swelling will subside, and the final results of the otoplasty will become apparent. The patient can enjoy a more balanced and symmetrical appearance of the ears, which can improve self-confidence and overall well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after otoplasty surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I have any visible scarring after the procedure and how can it be minimized?
  4. How many otoplasty surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  5. Can you show me before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated?
  6. Will I need to wear any special garments or bandages after the surgery?
  7. How long do the results of otoplasty typically last?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  9. Are there any non-surgical options available for correcting prominent ears?
  10. What should I do to prepare for otoplasty surgery and what will the recovery process entail?

Reference

Authors: Pawar SS, Koch CA, Murakami C. Journal: JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2015 Nov-Dec;17(6):449-54. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2015.0783. PMID: 26158729