Home> Surgery for men>

Otoplasty

What is ear surgery?

Otoplasty or ear surgery is the intervention that allows correcting the deformities and / or irregularities of the ears. The goal of otoplasty is to reposition the prominent ears, better known as “loop ears” or “blow ears” to a more normal position, closer to the head; and reduce the size of big ears.
Due to the difficulty of hiding the ears, otoplasty has become a very frequent technique in men since it allows to modify the structure or position of the ears in case of asymmetries, lack of growth or abnormal growth (prominent ears) or deformities of the pinnae due to accidents, bruising (cauliflower ears), tumors or burns, and even to a poor congenital development. In the latter case, otoplasty is used to create a new ear when it is born without it (anotia) or with some missing parts (complete hypoplasia or microtia).
The surgeon will consider several very important features to ensure that the reconstruction of the pinna is successful: ovoid contour of the ear, protrusion, vertical axis orientation, size and definition.
 
I want an appoitment

Who is the ideal candidate for otoplasty?

This surgery can be a good solution for those men in good physical health who feel that their ears are out of proportion or protrude too far from their head and want to achieve facial harmony.
Although it is carried out in adulthood, it is a highly requested intervention by adolescents and even children from 6 to 14 years of age due to the psychological and social problems that this entails. At this age, the ears have practically reached the size and development they will have in adulthood, and the cartilage is more flexible and moldable. Therefore, in case of suffering anotia or microtia, otoplasty can be performed.
Depending on the degree of deformity, the involvement should be assessed to propose reconstruction in one or two surgical phases, depending on the difficulty, since skin, cartilage and other tissues must be provided to create a new pinna. In particular cases, the surgery can be advanced to 4 years.

Parents are recommended to observe the behavior of their children, their interpersonal relationships or school performance regarding their defect in the ears. Surgery should not be emphasized until the child so desires.

 

Otoplasty, what is it?

Otoplasty is an outpatient surgery that usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours although in complex cases it can take longer. The plastic surgeon will evaluate the problem and recommend the most effective technique for each case.
Depending on the age of the patient to be treated, the intervention is performed under local anesthesia associated or not with sedation, except in minors who recommend general anesthesia.
Generally, a small incision is made in the back of the ear, so that the scars are never visible. From this incision, the surgeon remodels the cartilage of the ear, making it fold in the appropriate places, reduces the depth of the shell and removes excess skin. Then sculpt the cartilage by carving it through small shallow cuts to take a more natural shape. Internal stitches can be used to maintain this new shape and sometimes remove part of the cartilage. Finally, a wedge of skin is removed from the back of the ear.
Candidates are advised not to smoke or reduce tobacco use before and after the intervention to avoid risks. In addition, there are medications such as aspirin that reduce the blood’s clotting ability and should be removed from your treatment.

After otoplasty

Once the operation is done, a bandage is placed for 1 week to mold each part of the ear and allow them to heal in the correct position. After a week, the bandage is removed and an elastic strap (such as a tennis strap) is placed for two weeks to avoid trauma and the ear is folded forward when sleeping.
The patient may notice that the ears are sore, swollen and purple in the first days, but the discomfort will be alleviated with pain relievers. During the first month, it is recommended to avoid efforts and any sporting activity in which the ears can bend, until the final healing. In addition, the patient should sleep with the head slightly elevated.
Patients join the work routine the next day or 2-3 days after surgery, and in the case of children, they return to school the week after the intervention.

The results

The results are permanent and gratifying for the patients since it not only provides psychological benefits such as increased self-esteem and self-confidence, but they also achieve the desired facial harmony. Recovery is quick and scars completely hidden.

Ears with EarFold implant. What does it consist of?

The latest surgical technique in plastic ear surgery is called implant surgery or Ear Fold and offers many more advantages over conventional otoplasty.
It is a simple, personalized and effective surgery to correct prominent or blow ears. With this procedure, it is possible to make a preliminary evaluation with the surgeon on the first visit by placing a simulator on the outside of the ears. In this way, the patient can discuss with the plastic surgeon the procedure, options and expectations so that the ears take the desired shape according to their preferences and ensure a satisfactory result.
Another advantage is that the surgery is performed in less time.
The clinical procedure is quick and is performed under local anesthesia. A permanent implant called an “ear fold” is placed under the skin and then 2 or 3 stitches are placed and will be removed in 5 – 7 days.

The “simulator” is the same as the implant, but it is not sterile, as a test clip.

 

Who is the ideal candidate?

Otoplasty with Ear Fold implant is indicated for adults and from 7 years of age, since at this age the ears tend to be practically the size and development they will have as an adult.

Recommendations before the intervention

It is recommended not to consume aspirin or anti-inflammatories two weeks before undergoing the intervention. It is also not advisable to consume alcohol two days before the otoplasty.

After Earfold Implant Surgery

After the intervention it is possible to experience pain and discomfort, but these will subside quickly. You may also notice swelling and redness that will last up to a week.
Unlike conventional otoplasty surgery, the use of a head bandage is not required. If the surgeon considers it convenient, an antibiotic regimen is recommended for a few days to reduce the risk of postoperative wound infection.