Unfortunately, many people can suffer emotional problems, ranging from childhood bullying to insecurity in adulthood, simply because of the unusual shape of their ears. This is why corrective surgery like otoplasty is a solution, helping to improve the self-esteem of those who are not satisfied with this important part of their face. But, as with any medical procedure, many questions always arise. Is it possible for ears to become prominent again after surgery? Can only adults undergo otoplasty? Does it affect hearing?
In this post, Dr. Joseph Fodero, our otoplasty specialist at Northeastern Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, Morris County, answers the six of the most common questions you may have about this procedure.
A Closer Look at Otoplasty
Otoplasty is a surgery to correct ear deformities and can be both cosmetic and reconstructive. The procedure is relatively simple, depending on the case. Correcting prominent ears with this method is faster than, for example, reconstruction. In general, the surgery lasts an average of 1.5 hours, under general anesthesia and sedation.
The main indications for otoplasty are:
- Macrotia, when the ears are disproportionate to the face.
- Deformed ears due to injuries or congenital problems.
- Prominent ears, also called protruding ears.
- Congenital absence of ears.
Unfortunately, many patients seek the procedure for emotional reasons caused by bullying. Interference with self-esteem and emotional state also qualifies the patient to undergo the procedure.
Otoplasty aims to give greater symmetry, proportion, and a more suitable appearance to your ears. So the surgery can range from minor to medium, depending on its purpose.
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6 Common Questions and Facts About Otoplasty
As already mentioned, otoplasty is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure that can improve a patient’s quality of life. Before undergoing the procedure, it’s necessary to understand its potential results, as well as the pre- and post-operative requirements.
- Can Otoplasty Only Be Performed in Adulthood?
- Can Smokers Undergo Otoplasty?
- Can Prominent Ears Reappear After a While?
- Can Otoplasty Affect Hearing?
- Is It Necessary to Avoid the Sun After Otoplasty?
- Are There Any Contraindications for Otoplasty?
1. Can Otoplasty Only Be Performed in Adulthood?
No. Unlike other parts of the body, the ears develop very early. Children as young as 5 years old are already eligible for otoplasty, as the ear is fully formed and almost the size of an adult’s. In any case, the surgeon will first assess the cartilage formation to ensure the child is a suitable candidate for surgery.
Remember that children should only undergo otoplasty if the problem affects them in some way. For example, parents may notice a cosmetic issue with prominent ears, but the child may not. If this prominence doesn’t bother them, surgery isn’t necessary, as it doesn’t interfere with hearing.
However, if there is a malformation that hinders the reception and amplification of sound (ears are rounded and wavy precisely for this purpose), there are reasons beyond aesthetics to perform the surgery.
2. Can Smokers Undergo Otoplasty?
Candidates for otoplasty should not be smokers or should stop smoking for a considerable period before and after surgery. Because smoking hinders the healing process, smokers are much more likely to develop an infection in the postoperative scar.
Some of the harmful effects of tobacco on plastic surgery in general are:
Impaired Circulation
Vascular damage hinders blood circulation and the supply of nutrients to the operated area. As a result, healing is slow, noticeable, and carries a higher risk of infection.
Anesthesia Interference
Possible reduction in the effects of anesthesia, since smoking interferes with the body’s response to medications
Strain on Stitches
The force of exhalation when coughing, caused by smoking, can put tension on the operated area and, consequently, cause the stitches to break.
Increased Complications
Increased risk of post-surgical complications, such as hematomas and necrosis.
3. Can Prominent Ears Reappear After a While?
Yes, it’s true, but it’s not common. Prominent ears reappear mainly if the stitches break, or if there is bruising or infections in the postoperative period. Therefore, it’s very important that the patient follows the doctor’s recommended care and undergoes a follow-up evaluation six months later.
In addition, there is a slight tendency for the “harder” cartilage to return to its original position. However, the chances of this happening are low, so you can undergo corrective surgery without major concerns.
4. Can Otoplasty Affect Hearing?
Absolutely not. On the contrary, otoplasty can even help if the intention is reconstruction. The surgery is performed entirely on the outer ear and doesn’t affect the inner ear at all. Rather, it can even improve hearing in very specific cases, since the auricle captures and channels sounds.
For example, when a person suffers from ear blockage due to cartilage, this surgery helps them hear better.
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5. Is It Necessary to Avoid the Sun After Otoplasty?
Yes. First, the sun dehydrates and dries out the skin, and water loss hinders healing. Furthermore, when the body heats up, the diameter of blood vessels increases, causing the area to receive more fluid. This can also cause swelling.
Finally, both inflammation and dryness make it difficult for the separated areas (edges of the incision) to join together, putting pressure on the stitches and possibly causing them to break.
6. Are There Any Contraindications for Otoplasty?
Like any surgery, otoplasty also has contraindications. These are some of them:
Wound Healing Problems
If the patient is predisposed to keloids, hypertrophic scars, or slow healing, this can affect the outcome of the surgery.
Excessive Sun Exposure
The patient should avoid sun exposure for at least 30 days. If you work outdoors, wait until you are on vacation to have the surgery.
Autoimmune Diseases
Relapsing polychondritis is an inflammatory disease that affects cartilaginous areas, such as the ear. So the patient may experience problems during the postoperative period.
Book Your Otoplasty Consultation in Florham Park, Morris County
As we have seen, otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can help those who have low self-esteem due to the unusual shape of their ears. In addition to correcting various deformities, it also helps with specific hearing problems. Also, it’s very safe: the entire surgery is performed only on the external part of the ear.
During your consultation, it’s essential to report any health problems you may have. Don’t be embarrassed: this honest conversation between Dr. Fodero and the patient can prevent serious problems during and after surgery. If you are interested in undergoing otoplasty, contact our office in Florham Park, Morris County, by calling (973) 295-6565 or using our online scheduling tool. With personalized care, you can have all your questions answered and benefit from specialized professionals.