Otoplasty

The otoplasty is a procedure performed in people of all ages who want to improve their image.

Yourself or son/daughter are good candidates if present any of the following characteristics:

• Abnormal separation of ears.
• Lack of development of a fold of the ear.
• Disproportionate ears.
• Ears traumatic sequel.

Several factors have to be considered before an otoplasty:

• In children it is recommended to wait until the ears are fully development (six years old).
• Your expectations must be realistic, be aware that the procedure can achieve great improvements, but not perfection

A personal visit is the first step for anybody who is thinking about an otoplasty.

Dr. Saez will ask about your general health and what your expectations are.

From an individualized evaluation Dr. Saez will explain the technique and the results that can be achieved by surgery.

The most common technique is explained below. However, there may be slight variations depending on the physical characteristics of each person.

Usually it is made a small incision in the behind the ear, which allows to remodel the cartilage to achieve the desired shape. The resulting scar from an otoplasty is concealed behind the ear.

• This operation is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation on an outpatient basis (in other words, hospitalization is usually not necessary), except in children who require general anaesthesia and usually stay at the clinic 24 hours.
• The operation usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

Although each person’s recovery is different, it is common to follow the next steps:

After the operation the usual stay at the clinic is 3-4 hours (24 hours in children), thereafter the patient can be discharged.

THE FIRST DAY:
• It is advisable to rest with the head slightly lifted. You should not manipulate the bandage.

DURING THE FIRST WEEK:
• The bandage will be removed after 3 or 4 days, and it will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband to hold the ears in place while you are home or sleeping.
• You can progressively start to work and return to normal activity.

AFTER THE FIRST WEEK:
• Inflammation will reduce gradually.
• The stitches will be removed after 10-15 days.

AFTER THE FIRST MONTH:
• Inflammation will reduce and you will start to see more defined final results.
• You can do more vigorous exercises.
• You can stop using the lighter head dressing.

This intervention provides improvement to the shape, position or proportion of the ear and and gives patients more fulfilment with their new image.

The results achieved are permanent. However, you must remember that your ears are not immune to the effects of aging.