Otoplasty

So, what exactly is otoplasty? It’s a highly popular surgical procedure designed for auricular reshaping. Whether for aesthetic or reconstructive reasons, otoplasty offers a versatile solution to a variety of concerns. With this procedure, you can:

• Correct protrusive ears (via ear pinning, or pinnaplasty);

• Reshape and resize the ears to address age-related changes or improve a naturally asymmetrical shape;

• Repair damage from trauma, such as deformed earlobes, etc.;

• Correct congenital asymmetry, partial absence of the ear, and other deformities;

• Address the consequences of previous piercings or failed procedures, like stretched “tunnels” that are no longer desired.

Otoplasty comes in two forms: aesthetic, which focuses on enhancing the visual appearance of the ears, and reconstructive, which is aimed at fully restoring ear shape after injury or other causes.

It’s important to note that ear straightening surgery only affects the external structure of the ears, leaving the internal hearing organs untouched. So, you can rest assured — your hearing will remain unaffected.

Types and Techniques of Otoplasty

There are several techniques for aesthetic ear plastic surgery, each tailored to address specific concerns:

• Traditional Surgical Otoplasty: precise incisions behind the ears or within natural folds, allowing for ear pinning and correction of cartilage and skin for a more balanced appearance;

• Minimally Invasive Earlobe Reshaping: using specialized threads or braces for ear cartilage pinning;

• Laser Otoplasty: a modern approach that employs laser technology for minimally invasive ear correction.

Benefits

The main advantages of otoplasty are:

• Remarkable results: otoplasty allows you to quickly eliminate any unwanted features of the auricles, transforming their appearance;

• Minimally invasive: the procedure is atraumatic, meaning it doesn't require extensive surgical intervention, leading to a faster and smoother recovery;

• Aesthetic excellence and long-lasting results;

• Swift recovery, allowing you to return to your everyday life.

These benefits make otoplasty one of the most effective solutions for correcting the size and shape of the auricles.

How to Prepare for the Procedure?

Preparation for Surgery:

• Initial consultation and examination: during your initial consultation, the doctor will discuss your desired results, assess your needs, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This is followed by diagnostic tests to rule out any contraindications, including laboratory tests, a cardiogram, X-rays, and fluorography.

• To ensure optimal healing, it's recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning medications like aspirin for 10-14 days prior to surgery.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?

Otoplasty is perfect for individuals who wish to:

• Correct protrusive ears;

• Reshape and resize ear lobes;

• Address the aftermath of ear trauma or ruptured lobes, etc.;

• Correct asymmetry, partial ear loss, or other congenital defects;

• Reverse the effects of unsuccessful piercings.

Risks

As with any surgery, otoplasty carries certain risks, particularly for specific groups of patients. These include:

• Numbness in the treated area;

• Tissue necrosis;

• Allergic reactions;

• Keloid scarring in predisposed individuals.

To minimize the risk of complications, it's essential to be aware of the contraindications. Otoplasty is impossible in case of:

• Hemophilia;

• Heart and vascular diseases;

• Central nervous system pathologies;

• Decompensated diabetes mellitus;

• Cancer;

• Mental health conditions that prevent communication with the patient;

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;

• Autoimmune disorders;

• Acute infectious diseases.

Thanks to the expertise of our skilled specialists, the risks during the procedure and recovery period are minimized, ensuring a safe and successful outcome for every patient!

Postoperative Care

Once you're discharged from the hospital, the recovery period begins, typically three days after the procedure. To ensure a smooth healing process and maintain the positive results of your surgery, it's essential to follow certain guidelines during rehabilitation. Here are the key recommendations:

• Avoid alcohol and smoking;

• Refrain from visiting saunas or tanning beds to prevent any risk of bleeding;

• Skip sports and intense physical activities;

• Do not use styling products in your hair, as they may come into contact with your wounds;

• Follow your doctor's prescription for all medications;

• Keep the sutures clean by using prescribed antiseptics;

• Do not remove the bandage or wash your hair until your doctor tells you so.

Once the stitches are removed, your doctor will gradually lift restrictions and provide you with an updated prognosis for your full recovery.