Ear Surgery in Istanbul
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is an aesthetic procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the ears
What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is an aesthetic procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the ears. It helps to reposition, reshape, or resize the ears. Ear abnormalities such as deformity, protrusion, unevenness or simply big size, whether it is congenital or caused by injuries, can be corrected with ear surgery. It is generally done to reduce the size of large ears, and also the ears that stick out too far from the head by pinning them back closer to the head. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, mostly done on children between the ages of 4-14. *1 A child’s ear cartilage and ears are almost fully grown and stable enough at the age of 4-6 and the earlier the surgery, the better for children because it means less mockery. It can also be done on older patients with generally no additional risks.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Ear Surgery?
It is not hard to be eligible for an otoplasty procedure. If you are reading this, you are probably a candidate! You may be a good candidate: If you have undesirable ear shape or size, such as bat ear and large ears If you have misshapen ears because of congenital deformity or trauma If your ears protrude outside If you are healthy and have no chronic ear infection Children are able to have otoplasty when the ears are almost fully grown, and the ear cartilage has completed its development and is stable enough for correction.
What Are The Expected Outcomes of Ear Surgery?
The outcomes of otoplasty can be analyzed in two main categories: aesthetical and psychological. Ear surgery can address all kinds of aesthetical concerns about your ears. It corrects the undesirable appearance of your ears. It reduces the size of the ears, reshapes them, and repositions them to an optimal position. If you have protruding ears, they are pinned back closer to the head. Through otoplasty, you will have more proper and proportional ears. The psychological outcomes of the procedure are as important as the physical ones. For most people, disproportionate appearance of the ears, such as large or bat ears, or defects because of traumas can be a serious concern. If you are not happy with the appearance of your ears, you can experience serious psychological distress, which can negatively affect your self-confidence as well as your social life. After the procedure, you will have a more positive self-image.
“Thanks to otoplasty, we are able to address all kinds of cosmetic and aesthetical concerns about the ears. You don’t need to feel bad because of the appearance of your ears!”
How Is The Ear Surgery Done?
The ear surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed to change the appearance of the ears. It is customized according to the needs and wishes of the patient.
Anesthesia
At first, you will receive anesthetics. Depending on the particular case, the surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon will probably recommend general anesthesia if your child is young, but for older children, they may prefer local anesthesia with sedation.
Surgery
The specifics of the surgery depend on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. Each patient is a unique case and what is suitable depends on the anatomical characteristics as well as the desired goals. Our contracted surgeons are capable of performing several different surgical techniques, and they will perform a customized surgery with the most suitable technique for each particular patient. In general, depending on your anatomical characteristics and desired goals, your surgeon can make an incision which is hidden inside or behind the ear. Usually, small incisions are made within the natural fold behind the ear and then the visible scarring is very little. Based on your needs and goals, your surgeon will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back closer to the head, and if it is necessary, they will remove the excess skin and then your ears will be reshaped and repositioned to provide a more aesthetic appearance. *2 Permanent sutures can be used to pin back protruding ears and even if only one of your ears is misshapen, generally both ears will be operated on to assure a symmetrical appearance. The ear surgery can take about 2 hours.
Risks and Complications *3 *4
Ear surgery for aesthetical reasons, also called otoplasty, have complications that can be divided into early and late complications. Experience of the surgeon plays an important role in reducing the potential risks. Below are the potential Risks and Complications: Early Complications (Post-Operative): Hematoma: It can form 1-3 days after the surgery. If occurs, needs to be immediately taken care of, as if not can lead to cartilage and skin necrosis, can even lead to cauliflower deformity (you can see this deformity in boxers/fighters frequently). Bleeding Infection Dehiscence: The incision site reopens due to faulty wound healing, also known as wound separation. Necrosis of the skin Late Complications: Hypersensitivity Poor aesthetic outcomes: The most common complication. Over-correction, improperly placed sutures, and over-tightening are the major causes. Suture extrusion: If your tissues heal too quickly, dissolvable deep sutures may not be digested and are slowly forced out (extruded), non-dissolvable sutures can also be extruded, and it may happen even 50 years after the surgery.
What to Expect During the Ear Surgery Recovery?
At the end of the surgery, bandages will be wrapped around your ears and, within a few days, they will be replaced with a lighter elastic headband which allows avoiding rolling over your ears. It is important to keep this headband in place unless instructed to do otherwise by your surgeon. Stitches or sutures are generally dissolvable, if not, they will be removed in about a week. You should avoid washing your hair with shampoo for at least one week after the operation. There may be throbbing or aching in your ears for a few days, but they can be eased with the help of painkillers. While resting, it is recommended that you keep your head elevated to reduce discomfort. Most adults are able to go back to work about 5 to 7 days after the surgery, and the children are able to go back to school after 7 days or so. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities about 5 to 7 days after surgery. You may need to take one week off work or school. Your elastic headband should be worn for 4 weeks. You can experience some swelling and bruising, but they will subside in about 3 to 4 weeks. Any activity that might bend the ears should be avoided for at least a month or so. Strenuous activity should be limited for the first couple of months. After a few months, the recovery will be completed. During the whole recovery period, your surgeon and Clineca will inform and guide you. A wellbeing assistant will visit you in your hotel room every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave Istanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.
What to Do Before Ear Surgery?
During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions. Most important instructions include, Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure. Avoid herbal remedies and supplements Take only the medications approved by your surgeon. Rinse the skin around your ears with warm water.
What to Do After Ear Surgery?
What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include: Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. You will be seen in the next few days for bandages or dressings. When the dressings are removed, you will be able to shower and wash your hair. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them. Take pain medication and antibiotics prescribed for you by your surgeon. You should rest with your head elevated. Avoid any activity that may affect the ears until the ears are fully healed. And don’t forget to share photos of your new ears!
“Ear surgery is not exclusive to congenital problems. It can effectively correct injured ears, too.”
Frequently asked questions
What is otoplasty?+
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct all kinds of cosmetic problems about the ears. It is performed to resize, reshape, and reposition the ears. Protruding, uneven, or large ears can be corrected with otoplasty.
Is otoplasty risky?+
All surgical procedures have some risks. However, if it is performed by an experienced and talented surgeon, the risk of having a serious problem is very small.
Is otoplasty painful?+
During the surgery, you will not feel pain because local or general anesthesia is what typically is used. Your surgeon will decide what is the best option for you and in either case, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
What is ear pinning?+
Ear pinning is performed to pin back overly apparent, protruding ears closer to the head.
What type of anesthesia is used during otoplasty?+
Generally, local anesthesia is used. In certain cases, general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious, can also be used. Your surgeon will decide what’s the best option for you.
Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?+
If you are not happy with the size or the shape of your ears, then you can be a good candidate for otoplasty.
How long does otoplasty surgery take?+
An otoplasty can take about 2 hours.
What is the best age to have otoplasty?+
A child’s ear cartilage and ears are almost fully grown and durable enough around the ages of 4-6. Older patients can have otoplasty at all ages with no additional risks, in general.
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