Otoplasty: post-operative effects & care
Protruding ears can be a source of insecurity to many kids at school due to the harsh comments they are exposed to. Otoplasty, or surgery of the ears, is a cosmetic procedure, which remediates the problem of protruding ears. It is usually performed on both ears (bilateral otoplasty) or one (unilateral otoplasty).
Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached their full size, usually after the age of seven, through adulthood.
Otoplasty treats three types of cartilage defects:
- antithetical plication defect: this defect is located in the upper part of the ear, which gives a smooth appearance to the upper part of the pinna.
- shell’s cartilage defect: the cartilage can have an excessive size (hypertrophy), which increases the proportion between the ear and the head.
- failure of the angle between the pinna and the skull: this defect gives ears a protruding aspect.
The intervention is of short duration and can be performed under general or local anaesthesia. Being hidden behind the ears, post-surgical scars will be hardly noticeable. After the surgery, the patient has to wait for 2 to 3 months in order to rejoice the final results of otoplasty.
After the surgery, bruising and swelling are quite expected, but both will fade away in a few days.
Two days after otoplasty, bandages will be removed and the ears will be maintained with a headband.
It is recommended that the patient wear the headband day and night for a period of two weeks or so. The patient is also recommended to protect their ears from the sun, wind, and cold temperatures during winter (which may cause frostbites).
Showering is advised starting from the next day after the surgery, but sunbathing is not. Wearing eyeglasses is prohibited because arms may obstruct the healing process.
Definitive results can be appreciated after a period of 1 to 3 months.
Physical activity can be resumed after 2 weeks. For kids, wearing a contention headband is recommended during physical activities and school breaks.
Otoplasty treats three types of cartilage defects:
- antithetical plication defect: this defect is located in the upper part of the ear, which gives a smooth appearance to the upper part of the pinna.
- shell’s cartilage defect: the cartilage can have an excessive size (hypertrophy), which increases the proportion between the ear and the head.
- failure of the angle between the pinna and the skull: this defect gives ears a protruding aspect.
The intervention is of short duration and can be performed under general or local anaesthesia. Being hidden behind the ears, post-surgical scars will be hardly noticeable. After the surgery, the patient has to wait for 2 to 3 months in order to rejoice the final results of otoplasty.
Post-operative effects and care after otoplasty
Pain after otoplasty is generally moderate during the first 24 hours, but it will be alleviated thanks to antalgics prescribed by the doctor.After the surgery, bruising and swelling are quite expected, but both will fade away in a few days.
Two days after otoplasty, bandages will be removed and the ears will be maintained with a headband.
It is recommended that the patient wear the headband day and night for a period of two weeks or so. The patient is also recommended to protect their ears from the sun, wind, and cold temperatures during winter (which may cause frostbites).
Showering is advised starting from the next day after the surgery, but sunbathing is not. Wearing eyeglasses is prohibited because arms may obstruct the healing process.
Definitive results can be appreciated after a period of 1 to 3 months.
Physical activity can be resumed after 2 weeks. For kids, wearing a contention headband is recommended during physical activities and school breaks.
