Otoplasty: a permanent solution for protruding ears
Dr Arie Azuelos' blog in Paris
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape protruding ears. It offers an aesthetic solution for people who are bothered by protruding ears. Often a source of complexes from an early age, protruding ears can affect self-confidence. Thanks to otoplasty, it is now possible to correct this feature permanently, enabling everyone to reclaim their image and live in harmony with their reflection.
What is otoplasty or surgery for protruding ears?
Otoplasty involves reshaping the cartilage of the ear to bring it closer to the head, giving a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The surgeon may make an incision behind the ear to access the cartilage, then reshape it, remove part of it if necessary, or use sutures to hold the ear in the desired position. This procedure, usually performed under general anaesthetic for children and local anaesthetic for adults, takes around one to two hours and can considerably improve the appearance of protruding ears.
Otoplasty: in what cases?
Otoplasty is indicated for anyone who is bothered by the appearance of ears that are too protruding, deformed or asymmetrical. This discomfort can be both physical (discomfort, difficulty wearing glasses or headphones) and psychological because of the impact on self-esteem.
It can be considered for children from the age of 7, by which time the ear has generally reached its adult size, to avoid possible problems of teasing or discomfort at school. In all cases, the decision to undergo otoplasty must be carefully considered and discussed with the plastic surgeon, taking into account the specific needs and expectations of each patient.
The benefits of otoplasty
Otoplasty offers a number of advantages that improve patients’ quality of life:
- It allows effective and lasting correction of the shape and position of the ears. This can have a significant impact on facial harmony, contributing to a more balanced and natural appearance;
- It can greatly improve self-confidence and self-esteem, eliminating a source of complexes or ridicule, particularly in children;
- It is a simple procedure with a relatively low complication rate;
- Recovery time after otoplasty is generally short;
- Results are often visible immediately after the operation, making the otoplasty experience a positive one overall for most patients.
What happens after otoplasty?
The post-operative after-effects of otoplasty are generally straightforward and without major complications. In the first few days after the operation, you may experience slight discomfort or minor pain, which is easily controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. A bandage is placed around the head to hold the ears in their new position and help them heal. It is important to wear it as instructed by your surgeon.
Swelling and bruising are normal and usually disappear after a few weeks. You should be able to resume your daily activities after about a week, although strenuous activities such as contact sports should be avoided for at least a month. The final results of otoplasty are usually visible after 6 weeks, when all inflammation has subsided.
As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a safe recovery and the best possible aesthetic result. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to check that healing is proceeding as planned.
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