Otoplasty

Otoplasty or eye surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed for correcting the defects or deformities of the pinnae (outer ears). Such defects are the protruding ears (floppy ears) which is one of the most frequent genetic anomalies, as well as deformities in the region of the helix, anthelix or ear lobe.

The problem of ear defects

Ear defects occur at all ages, both in men and women. In fact, 5% of children born worldwide will be born with protruding (“floppy”) ears.

The ear defects, while not causing functional problems in the human body, is not a simple matter, as they create low-self esteem and lack of confidence in the individual. Especially, during childhood, a serious psychological problem can arise in the child from the caustic comments of his/her friends and classmates about the particularity of his/her appearance (bullying).

What is the appropriate age for otoplasty (ear surgery)?

Otoplasty can be performed from the age of 5 to 6 years onwards, when the ear cartilage has fully developed. From this age onwards, the patient can perform the permanent surgical treatment of the defects of the ear flaps whenever he/she wishes.

What is the procedure of Otoplasty Surgery (Ear Surgery)?

The otoplasty surgery lasts about one hour. First, local anesthesia is administered to adults – or intoxication for anyone who wishes. In children, the operation is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision behind the ear and separates the cartilage from the skin. Then, he forms and reshapes the cartilage appropriately, fixing it with sutures. At the end, the required amount of skin is removed and the skin incision is sutured with dissolvable stitches.

Once the operation is completed, the surgeon places special gauzes with antibiotic ointment and a pressure band like the one we wear in sports around the ears and the patient can return home at the same day.

What to expect after otoplasty?

After 2-3 days from the operation, the patient can return immediately to his/her daily activities, while any pressure on the ear or sports activity should be avoided for a while.

The possibility of complications from this particular surgery is minimal. Very rarely, a hematoma or minor bleeding could occur, which are easily treated in the doctor’s office. In very rare cases, inflammation or a deformed scar can be created.

In general, otoplasty is a safe surgical operation, with a permanent result that significantly improves the appearance and boosts the patient’s self-confidence and psychology.