Otoplasty (ear correction)

The shape and position of the auricles noticeably affect the overall facial features. If you want to correct protruding ears, asymmetry, or other features, one of the options may be otoplasty.

At «Oxford Medical», plastic correction of the ears is performed by experienced surgeons in a modern inpatient facility. During the consultation, the doctor assesses the anatomical features and explains what result can be achieved.

To receive individual recommendations and have ear plastic surgery, make an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon. This can be done through the online appointment form on the website or by calling the «Oxford Medical» contact center.

Otoplasty — is a plastic surgery that allows changing the shape, size, or degree of protrusion of the auricles. During the intervention, the surgeon corrects the cartilage tissue to make the contours of the ears neater and more proportional. Such ear correction helps make their shape more harmonious while preserving a natural appearance.

Depending on the purpose of the operation, the following types are distinguished:

• esthetic otoplasty — is performed to change the shape, size, or degree of protrusion of the auricles, as well as to correct asymmetry;
• reconstructive otoplasty — helps restore the shape of the ear in cases of congenital deformities, after injuries, burns, or other damage.

During ear plastic surgery, a plastic surgeon may use different methods of working with cartilage:

• Suture technique. The cartilage is shaped and fixed in the required position with internal sutures. This approach allows the shape of the auricle to be changed without significant removal of cartilage tissue.
• Cartilage modeling. Incisions are made on the cartilage or it is partially thinned, due to which it becomes more pliable and can be given the required shape.
• Partial excision of cartilage. It is used when a small part of the cartilage tissue needs to be removed for the desired correction.
• Combined technique. It combines several methods — for example, the suture technique and cartilage modeling — if the shape of the auricle requires it.

The surgeon chooses the specific technique depending on the structure of the auricle, the density of the cartilage, and the extent of the correction in order to obtain a natural and stable result.

Otoplasty is not performed during acute illnesses or in conditions that may complicate healing after surgery. Before the intervention, the doctor assesses the general state of health to make sure that the operation can be performed without additional risks.

The main contraindications include:

• acute infectious diseases;
• inflammatory processes or skin damage in the ear area;
• blood clotting disorders;
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• severe decompensated diseases of the heart and other internal organs;
• active oncological diseases.

If the cause is temporary, otoplasty can be performed later — after treatment and stabilization of the condition.

Preparation begins with a consultation, during which the doctor examines the auricles, clarifies the desired changes, and explains how the operation will proceed. At this stage, the extent of correction and the type of anesthesia are also determined.

Before the intervention, it is necessary to undergo a standard preoperative examination. Usually, it includes:

• general blood and urine tests;
• biochemical blood test;
• blood clotting indicators;
• tests for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis B and C;
• electrocardiogram;
• additional examinations according to indications.

If otoplasty is planned under general anesthesia, food must not be consumed for 8 hours before the operation, and clean non-carbonated water may be drunk no later than 2 hours before the intervention. For an operation under local anesthesia, preparation is simpler, and the patient receives precise recommendations during the consultation.

At «Oxford Medical», otoplasty is performed in a modern surgical inpatient facility. The operation is performed by experienced plastic surgeons under local or general anesthesia — the type of anesthesia depends on the extent of the intervention and the patient's age. On average, ear plastic surgery lasts about 1–2 hours.

The main stages of the operation:

• Anesthesia. Before the operation begins, local anesthesia or general anesthesia is administered. In the second case, throughout the entire intervention, the anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other main indicators.
• Incision. Most often, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural fold behind the ear, so after healing the scar remains barely noticeable.
• Cartilage correction. Depending on the chosen technique, the cartilage is shaped using sutures, incisions, thinning, or partial excision to give the auricle the required shape.
• Fixation. After shaping, the cartilage is fixed in the new position and the symmetry of both ears is checked.
• Completion of the operation. Sutures are placed on the incisions, after which the ears are covered with a protective fixation bandage.

After otoplasty, the patient remains under the supervision of medical personnel for some time. If the operation was performed under local anesthesia and the patient feels well, it is usually possible to return home on the same day.

In the first days after the operation, swelling, moderate soreness, and increased sensitivity of the ears may persist. These manifestations gradually decrease as healing progresses.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to:

• wear the fixation bandage continuously during the first week, and afterward — mainly at night for several more weeks;
• sleep on the back so as not to create pressure on the ears;
• not rub, bend, or injure the auricles;
• refrain from intensive training and contact sports for approximately 4–6 weeks;
• attend follow-up examinations within the timeframes determined by the doctor.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend avoiding any pressure on the auricles during the first weeks and following the bandage-wearing regimen. This helps the tissues heal properly and preserve the result of the correction.

Photos before and 3 weeks after otoplasty. The work of plastic surgeon Gindich O.A.

The cost of otoplasty depends on the type of correction and the extent of the intervention. A plastic surgeon can accurately guide you regarding the price after an examination and discussion of the desired result. The current cost of the consultation can be viewed here. To make an appointment, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the «Oxford Medical» contact center.

At «Oxford Medical», other plastic surgeries on the face are also performed, in particular blepharoplasty for correction of the eyelid area. If necessary, during the consultation, a comprehensive plan of aesthetic correction can be discussed.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

U.S. National Library of Medicine

PubMed