Otoplasty is usually performed to bring the ears closer to the head, shape their missing folds or shrink large ears. This operation is usually performed from the age of 6 years.

Many surgeons suggest that parents should be sensitive to children’s problems with their sense of ears; Do not insist on surgery until your child requests a change. Children who are uncomfortable with the shape of their ears and require surgery are usually more compliant during the procedure. At the first interview, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition and recommends the most effective technique. It also explains how to prepare for surgical intervention.

WHERE TO OPERATE:

Otoplasty is usually performed outpatient; sometimes your doctor may recommend that the operation be performed in the hospital, in which case you may spend a night in the hospital.

ANESTHESIA:

If your child is small, your doctor may recommend general anesthesia so that your child will be in deep sleep throughout the operation. For older children or adults, your doctor may choose local anesthesia in combination with a sedative. In this case the patient will be awake but relaxed.

OPERATION METHOD:

Otoplasty surgery takes 1.5-2 hours. Complicated cases may take longer. The surgical technique may vary depending on the problem in the ear. Cartilage tissue is usually reached by incision made from the back of the ear. Sometimes sections are removed from the cartilage tissue or the ear is shaped by gently rasping the cartilage before the tissue is removed.

The ear folds backwards without deteriorating the anatomical fold structure. In addition, permanent stitches are put to prevent reopening.

Put the latest skin seams. Since this operation was performed with an incision made from the background of the ear, no trace is encountered later. Light pressure bandage is applied to the patient.

POSTOPERATIVE:

Adults and children can get up and walk around a few hours after surgery and go home. The patient’s head will be wrapped at the end of the surgery to facilitate remodeling and healing. The ears may ache for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

After 2-4 days this bandage is removed and the head is wrapped with a lighter dressing. After removal of these windings, headband is recommended, especially for use at night. Using this band during the daytime will help to maintain the shape of the ear better. Sutures are usually removed within a week or self-melting seams can be used. Any activity where the ear will bend should be avoided for 1.5 months. Most adults can return to work in about 10 days. Children can go to school after about 7 days, but they need to be careful with the activities.

Any activity where the ear will bend should be avoided for up to one and a half months. Most adults can return to work in about ten days. Children can go to school for around seven days, but they need to be careful with the activities. You can ask your child’s teacher to help you keep an eye on your child for a few weeks.

OTHER EAR SHAPE DISORDERS:

There are other ear problems that can be corrected by surgery besides the ear. These include the “Cup Ear” very small ear and the “Shell Ear” outer curvature, natural curves and lines disappear. In addition, operations can be performed for large ear lobes. In addition, new ones can be made for those who lost their ears after congenital or an accident. Sometimes there is a scar that is worse than the original problem.