Otoplasty (Ear Reconstruction)
Otoplasty is a reconstructiveprocedure preformed to correct prominent ears in both children and adults. The condition is often labeled "dumbo" ears, especially among children. Otoplasty is also effective in correcting various other types of abnormalities of the ear. The purpose of the ear construction procedure improves both the functional aspects and cosmetic appearances. Dr. Pascual is a leading authority in performing otoplasty procedures located in the Miami area, successfully restoring patients' self-image and improving quality of life.
FAQs
Is Otoplasty the Right Choice for Me?
Ideally, the perfect candidates for an ear reconstruction procedure are between the ages of 4 and 14. Correcting protruding or prominent ears at an early age prevents psychological trauma from childhood bullying. Adults also make good candidates for the procedure.
Consider discussing with your physician about scheduling anotoplasty to restore functionality and regain self-confidence if you experience any of the following conditions:
• Prominent ears
• Protruding ears
• Larger than normal ear lobes
• Lop ear (condition in which the ear tip folds downward and trends forward)
• Shell ear (prominent features are missing from the ear such as natural folds or curves forming the outer rim.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Although the exact procedures vary depending upon individual patients' needs, the first thing to expect when going into surgery is to be put under anesthetic using a combination of gas and medication through an I.V. Once the levels reach asafe level, the surgeon begins by making a small incision in the natural fold of the ear where it's attached to the face. Next the surgeon removes the excess amounts of cartilage and skin to achieve the desired results.
For some patients, the reconstructive procedure involves trimming the cartilage and re-shaping it into the desirable form, and then pinning the cartilage into the desired position before securing the cartilage with permanent sutures.
For other patients instead of the surgeon removing any cartilage, stitches are used to permanently hold the cartilage in position. Once the surgeon sculpts the cartilage into the desired form, sutures are then applied to anchor the ear, holding it in position until the healing process begins.
Is Otoplasty Safe?
The advances in technology used in modern medicine continue to make surgical procedures are much more efficient with fewer side effects and faster recovery time. Whenever anesthesia is required to put a patient to sleep during surgery, there are minimal risks involved. Aside from the potential complications from anesthesia other side effects from otoplasty may include:
• Temporary swelling and bruising around incision
• Bleeding or formation of hematoma
• Infection of the cartilage of the ear
• Permanent or temporary numbness of skin covering the ear or face
• Overgrowth of scar tissue causing scars or formation of keloids
• Suture extrusion
• Narrowing of external ear canal
• Slow healing
• Permanent pain.
What's the Recovery Time?
Patients recovering from an otoplasty procedure should anticipate staying home for 5 to 7 days after the surgery. For stitches that must be removed by the surgeon should be taken out about a week following the surgery. A protective bandage must be worn a week after the procedure. Once the protective bandage has been removed, it's recommend to wear a protective elastic ear/head band at night for 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:
• Fever of 101.5 degrees F or greater
• Constant sharp severe pain
• Drainage from wound
• Abnormal swelling or redness of the ear.
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