What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery performed to reposition protruding or prominent ears to a more natural position. More close to the head or to reduce the size of the patient estimated ears large.

In general, otoplasty is a surgery performed on children between 4 and 14. The ears are almost completely grown at 4 years, so the sooner you do otoplasty, the lower the ridiculous to pass the child in school. Otoplasty can also be performed in adults, with no major risks in this age.

To speak with a little more depth on the subject, ear deformity is an alteration of the anatomical proportions of the same, or the harmonious development of the curves that shape the pinna. This often entails a genetic in many cases, that is what parents convey to their children. However, the problem itself is not serious because there is a possibility that the ear is recovered properly during the first years of the child. This problem can be easily diagnosed by both parents and the pediatrician, who find that the child's ears are projected in an exaggerated way out of the infant's head. However, it is necessary to know that the first time since diagnosis as mentioned above, there is a high possibility that the ears regain their normal form during the early years.

Should this not occur the patient may use an otoplasty. For this reason, it is best to perform the operation once the ears reached its final development, which occurs between seven and nine years but this depends on the case, because sometimes it is prudent not wait that long. For a child, the impact can be much more negative than simply anticipating surgery, if you talk in terms of self-esteem. We also have to take into account that at the age of three years, the development of the ears of children has reached 85%. In the end, the assessment of when to perform the procedure must be made between the child, parents and doctor.

When the patient goes to the first visit to the doctor, plastic surgeon will assess the problem and recommend the most effective technique for you. It will also provide instructions to prepare for surgery. If the child is small, the surgeon will recommend performing surgery under general anesthesia. For older children and adults, local anesthesia is used with or without sedation, so you are awake during surgery, but relaxed.

Otoplasty intervention lasts a few hours, although complex cases may take longer. The technique used depends on the particular problem. Usually makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. Then sculpts the cartilage and bend backwards, internal points can be used to maintain the new shape. In some cases it may be necessary to remove a portion of the ear cartilage to obtain a more natural look. Finally, it removes a wedge of skin from the back of the ear. The scar is left of the otoplasty is hidden behind the ear. Most times, if only one ear seems unusual, it involved the two to achieve better symmetry. Otoplasty thus constitutes an excellent option to improve the appearance of their ears. For more information about cosmetic surgery, we recommend visiting or Otoplasty