Our Summary

This research paper is all about some of the less common ear disorders that people are born with, like cryptotia, Stahl ear, constricted ear, and macrotia. These conditions usually happen on their own, without being part of a syndrome or accompanied by other deformities. The paper gives a detailed overview of these ear disorders and commonly used methods to fix them.

FAQs

  1. What are some less common congenital auricular anomalies mentioned in the article?
  2. Are these auricular anomalies usually accompanied by other syndromes or deformities?
  3. What are some common techniques used to correct these auricular anomalies?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering otoplasty (ear surgery) to carefully follow post-operative care instructions, including keeping the ears clean and avoiding any strenuous activities that could impact the healing process. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those with congenital auricular anomalies such as cryptotia, Stahl ear, constricted ear, and macrotia. These anomalies can occur spontaneously without accompanying syndromes or other deformities. Otoplasty can help correct these anomalies and improve the appearance of the ears.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss concerns about the appearance of their ears.
  2. Surgeon evaluates the patient’s ear anatomy and discusses potential surgical options.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

After otoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes otoplasty surgery to correct the ear anomaly.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling following the surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including wearing a headband to protect the ears during the healing process.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure proper recovery.
  5. Patient gradually sees improvement in the appearance of their ears as swelling decreases and the ears heal.
  6. Patient enjoys the final results of the otoplasty procedure, with improved symmetry and aesthetics of the ears.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications of otoplasty surgery?

  2. What are the expected results and outcomes of otoplasty for my specific condition?

  3. What is the recovery process like after otoplasty surgery?

  4. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the surgery?

  5. Are there any non-surgical alternatives or less invasive options for correcting my auricular anomaly?

  6. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?

  7. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone otoplasty for similar conditions?

  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential risks associated with it?

  9. How long will the otoplasty surgery take and will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

  10. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure proper healing and optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Lin J, Sclafani AP. Journal: Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;26(1):31-40. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2017.09.003. PMID: 29153187