Our Summary
This research paper is a study on the safety of otoplasty, which is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. The researchers looked at data from North America between 2012 and 2017 and analyzed the safety and risks of the surgery, specifically whether the type of doctor performing the surgery (either a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat doctor) affected the patient’s health after the procedure.
They found that most of the surgeries (around 76%) were performed by plastic surgeons, while about 23% were done by ear, nose, and throat doctors. Interestingly, the type of doctor didn’t significantly affect the rate of complications after surgery, even though surgeries performed by ear, nose, and throat doctors took longer on average.
The study also found that complications after surgery were rare (only about 1.3% of cases), with the most common issue being a minor infection at the surgical site. The researchers found no significant connection between other health issues (such as birth defects or other diseases) and complications after surgery.
However, they did find that certain health conditions, including being born prematurely, having abnormal lung structure, diseases of the digestive tract, and seizure disorders, were significantly associated with a higher risk of needing another surgery or being readmitted to the hospital after the procedure.
In conclusion, the researchers found that otoplasty is generally a safe procedure with a low risk of complications, regardless of whether it’s performed by a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat doctor. They also identified certain health conditions that could increase the risk of needing additional care after the surgery.
FAQs
- Does the type of doctor performing the otoplasty (plastic surgeon or ear, nose, and throat doctor) affect the rate of complications after the surgery?
- What are the most common complications after otoplasty?
- Are there any specific health conditions that can increase the risk of needing additional care or another surgery after an otoplasty?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering otoplasty is to make sure they disclose all of their medical history and any underlying health conditions to their surgeon before the procedure. This will help the surgeon assess the patient’s individual risk factors and ensure the best possible outcome for the surgery. Additionally, following all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon is crucial for a successful recovery.
Suitable For
Overall, patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those who are bothered by the shape, size, or position of their ears and are looking to improve their appearance. This can include individuals with prominent or protruding ears, asymmetrical ears, or ear deformities caused by injury or birth defects.
It’s important for patients considering otoplasty to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to be in good overall health. Patients should also have a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss their goals, any potential risks, and the recovery process.
In some cases, children may also be recommended for otoplasty if they are experiencing bullying or self-esteem issues due to the appearance of their ears. However, it’s important for parents to carefully consider the risks and benefits of surgery for their child and to ensure that they are emotionally and physically ready for the procedure.
Timeline
Before the surgery, a patient typically consults with a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat doctor to discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure. They will also undergo a physical examination and may have imaging tests done to assess their ear anatomy.
During the surgery, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and the surgeon makes incisions behind the ear to reshape the cartilage. The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
After the surgery, the patient will have bandages placed around their head to protect the ears and promote healing. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication.
In the weeks following the surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their healing progress and remove any stitches. It’s important for the patient to follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Overall, most patients are happy with the results of their otoplasty and experience improved self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Here are some questions a patient considering otoplasty should ask their doctor:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty?
- What type of doctor will be performing the surgery and what are their qualifications and experience with otoplasty?
- What is the success rate of otoplasty procedures performed by your practice?
- Are there any specific health conditions or medications that could impact the outcome of the surgery?
- What is the recovery process like and how long can I expect to be out of work or school?
- Will I need to wear any special garments or bandages after the surgery?
- How long will the results of the surgery last and are there any long-term effects to consider?
- Are there any non-surgical alternatives or less invasive procedures that could achieve similar results?
- Can you provide before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients?
- How much does otoplasty typically cost and are there any financing options available?
Reference
Authors: Kalmar CL, Patel VA, Humphries LS, Zimmerman CE, Vu GH, Swanson JW, Taylor JA. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2020 Sep;31(6):1739-1742. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006533. PMID: 32433130