Highlighting Otoplasty

OP. DR. YUNUS DOĞAN

Ear-ly detection saves face

Typically considered something women predominantly seek, plastic surgery can benefit everyone: men, women and children. Age isn’t always a factor: you can’t be too old to redefine yourself and sometimes youngsters need a little surgical intervention too. Children born with prominent or malformed ears can find physical and emotional comfort with otoplasty.

Plastic surgery is commonly divided into two main categories: cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive. Some procedures exist in only one classification. For example, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) can help fill out a patient’s pantaloons butt lacks any backing to be considered medically necessary.

Then there are procedures that straddle the boundary between fancy and functional. Breast augmentation procedures - like breast lift or breast reduction - can alleviate back pain while also improving the patient’s self confidence. Rhinoplasty can cure a deviated septum while also creating a more visually appealing nose.

This article is the nineteenth in a series highlighting some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. In the Highlighting series, we tell you ALL the alternative names of the surgery so you learn the medical terminology as well as develop a little street cred with slang terms. We share a little history of the procedure and describe the general process. We mention possible complications and give you an idea of the typical recovery time.

Also known as/similar or related names are:

Ear augmentation, ear-pinning, ear reduction, pinnaplasty, prominent ear.

First recorded

Have you heard of Indian doctor Sushruta? (Sure hope so since we mentioned him twice already: he first described techniques for blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty in the Sushruta Samhita, aka Sushruta’s Compendium.) Around 600 B.C., Sushruta helped develop a procedure called

Karna Sandhan, or ear lobe repair, to reconstruct ear damage done as punishment for religious or governmental crimes at that time.

The Europeans and Americans took over in the late 19th century. Around 1845, German doctor J.E. Dieffenbach gained credit for sharing his techniques on reducing prominent ear and restoring self confidence to his patients. American Edward Talbot Ely contributed his ideas in 1881 and then in 1903, French doctor M.H. Morestin developed his method. For more cut-and-dry details, check out this scholarly article by the National Library of Medicine.

General process

If you are only having otoplasty, you may have the choice of local or general anesthesia. Depending on your ears’ characteristics and the details of your surgical plan, your otoplasty could be performed while you’re awake.

When you and/or your ears are asleep, your surgeon will make incisions and possibly remove excess cartilage and skin. He or she may also fold existing cartilage to make natural-looking creases and sew them into your desired position with stitches inside your ear. Your sutures may be dissolvable or they may need to be removed as you heal. Surgery averages around 1-2 hours from sleepy time to groggy wakey time.

What could go wrong?

Complications that may occur include:

• Asymmetry - always a concern when you’re modifying a body part that exists in multiples. Try to remember that no one has 100% symmetry. Change your hair style.
• Changes in sensation - changing the position of your ears will affect the skin and nerves. This will likely resolve itself as you heal.
• Scarring - scars will lighten but most likely will not completely disappear. Skilled surgeons know where to place the scars so no one sees them. Did you find the best surgeon possible?

What could go right?

Hear us when we tell you that you might:

• Fit into hats without needing to tuck those ears in.
• Be more aerodynamic.
• Find comfort in your new ear placement.

Recovery time

Complete recovery can range from 4-8 weeks but you should see an immediate change right after surgery. We don’t usually offer fashion advice, but consider wearing button-down shirts so you’re not pulling clothing up over your head. Oversized neck holes will also work if you’re careful.

Detailed post-operative instructions will come from your doctor, but you will most likely be instructed not to sleep on your side. Definitely don’t scratch any itchiness, as that is a normal part of the healing process. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to resume normal daily activities. Or you could pretend not to hear your “return-to-work” date.

The last stitch

Many of us have compartmentalized playground bullying or teasing from our school days. Kids can be cruel and their imaginations can run wild once inspired by any physical characteristic different from what the popular crowd decides to accept. Most of us grow up and make peace but life can be nearly unbearable when you’re subject to an earful of affronting language. Prominent ears not only stick out “too far,” but they can also have the double-whammy of forcing the afflicted to better hear any insult.

Otoplasty is a viable solution to any patent ear-nest enough to undergo it.