Otoplasty (Prominent Ears)

Surgery For Protruding Ear and other ear problems (OTOPLASTY)

The Basics
Prominent ears or the bat ears as they are commonly called is a very frequent problem. In most cases it is the parents who seek medical treatment for their children. But it is seen that Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery themselves are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

Planning for Surgery:
In the initial meeting, doctor decides about the type of aneasthesia . He also assesses the severity of the problem and explains the patient about the post op care and the expected outcome.

Where the surgery will be performed:
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure, in which case you can plan on staying overnight in the hospital.

Types of Anesthesia:
Type of anesthesia is decided depending upon the age of the patient.

If the child is young, it is recommended to do the procedure under general anesthesia, so the child will sleep through the operation. For older children or adults local anesthesia is preferred, combined with a sedative, so the patient will be awake but relaxed.

The procedure
Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the most common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage is scores on the anterior surface so that it bends posteriorly in a desired pattern and direction. The cartilage thus bent retains its shape because of loss of recoiling because of scoring. Skin is then sutured using removable or dissolvable sutures. A head bandage is applied which should not be disturbed at least for a week.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

Post operative care
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off.

The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

After one week the bulky bandage will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s direction for wearing this dressing, especially at night.

Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.

Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they’re careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

Other Ear Problems:
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear", when the top seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear". Which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear", when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases are missing. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.

FAQs

Will I have ears which look exactly same?
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don’t expect both ears to match perfectly – perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are, you’ll be quite pleased with the result.

Where will the scar be?
Scar is usually hidden behind the ear and is not seen.