Prominent Ears

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct issues related to the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often known as the surgery for protruding ears.

Good candidates for otoplasty are children over 5 years old, teenagers, and adults who feel discomfort and annoyance with the appearance of their ears. They should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

The procedure involves reshaping the ear cartilage through an incision behind the ear. The surgery can last from one to two hours and is usually done under local or general anesthesia.

After otoplasty, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the best possible recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general guidelines:

Before Otoplasty: The night before the surgery, it is recommended to wash your head with Betadine scrub. On the morning of the surgery, you can have a light breakfast but avoid coffee.

Wound Care: After the surgery, there will be a bulky bandage around the head covering the ears and forehead. This dressing will remain for 3 days and should not get wet at all during this period.

After the removal of the dressing at the clinic, an elastic athletic headband should be worn. You should obtain two headbands preoperatively (the ideal headband is wide enough to cover the height of the pinna and is neither too tight nor too loose). The headband should be worn 24 hours a day for 7 days and then only during sleep for 6 weeks.

After the removal of the dressing on the third day and for 2 weeks, apply an antibiotic cream (e.g., Bactroban) to the wound with a cotton swab.

Pain and Discomfort: You may experience mild pain or discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain relievers. It is recommended to take Depon 1000mg every 6 hours for the first 2 days and then only when in pain. It is also recommended to take an anti-inflammatory pill after meals for the first 2 days. The above dose is for adults, and the dose for children is adjusted according to their weight.

Avoid pressing or rubbing your ears and avoid taking aspirin before or after the surgery.

In case of severe stabbing pain in your ears, contact your plastic surgeon for an examination by him or his team.

Antibiotics: You will need to take a broad-spectrum antibiotic preventively, e.g., penicillin (if you are not allergic) > tb. Augmentin 625mg every 8 hours for 4 days, and consume probiotics (ultra-levure from the pharmacy) or yogurt to protect your intestinal flora. The above dose is for adults, and the dose for children is adjusted according to their weight. The oral antibiotic and the antibiotic cream will be prescribed preoperatively by your plastic surgeon.

Activities: Avoid intense physical activity and sports for at least 4 weeks.

Also, avoid direct contact with your ears or activities that may injure them.

Sleeping: For the first few days, sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling quickly. Then arrange your space with pillows to be safe from sudden movements by yourself or your partner.

Follow-up: The total cost of the surgery includes follow-up visits to the clinic on the 3rd day, after 3 weeks, after 2 months, and after one year. Keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure the recovery is progressing well.

Report any worrying signs immediately, such as severe redness, swelling, pain, or fever, and visit the clinic for any concern or emergency situation at no extra cost.

Sun Protection: Protect your ears from the sun for at least 6 months by using high SPF sunscreen or wearing a hat.

Diet and Hydration: Follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to aid the healing process.

Instructions for Work or School: You can return to work or school after 4 days unless you do heavy manual work, in which case you will return after 2 weeks.

Yes, it is very important to stop smoking before otoplasty. Smoking can negatively affect tissue healing and increase the risk of complications. Here are some reasons why smoking is problematic before and after surgery:

A. Reduced Blood Flow: Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the tissues. This can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

B. Increased Risk of Complications: Smokers have a higher risk of complications during and after surgery, such as infection, tissue necrosis, and poor wound healing.

C. Reduced Oxygen in the Blood: Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes reduce the amount of oxygen transported to the tissues, which is critical for healing.

D. Increased Risk of Scarring: Smoking can affect the quality of scars, making them more visible and hypertrophic.

Your plastic surgeon recommends stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery and continuing to avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks after the surgery to ensure the best possible recovery.

It is important to discuss the need to stop smoking with your surgeon and seek advice or help to quit if necessary. Complying with these instructions will significantly contribute to the successful outcome of the otoplasty and your quick recovery.

Full recovery from otoplasty can take several weeks. Most patients can return to their daily activities within a week, but should avoid strenuous activities for about a month.

As with any surgery, there are risks that include infection (perichondritis), bleeding, scarring, and reaction to anesthesia. However, complications are rare when the surgery is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

The incisions made for otoplasty are behind the ear, so the scars are usually invisible or very discreet. Rarely, hypertrophic scars or keloids may develop.

The cost of otoplasty can vary depending on the surgeon and the duration of the surgery. It also depends on whether it will be performed under local or general anesthesia. You will be informed of the total cost during your consultation.

The results of otoplasty are usually permanent. However, recurrence of protruding ears is a rare possibility that is reduced through a combination of techniques (anterior scoring, placement of multiple sutures). It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions to ensure the results are maintained.

When a child has protruding ears but does not want to undergo otoplasty, it is important to consider the child’s feelings and wishes. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:

Tips for Handling the Situation

A. Discussion and Understanding: Make your child feel comfortable discussing their concerns about their appearance without considering it a taboo subject.

B. Support and Encouragement: Encourage your child to express their feelings and provide support.

C. Informing about Otoplasty: If the child is open to discussing otoplasty, inform them about the procedure, benefits, and risks. Give them time to think about this option without feeling pressured.

D. Respect for the Child’s Decision: If the child decides they do not want to undergo surgery, it is important to respect their decision. Pressure for such a decision can cause more anxiety and insecurity.

Support and understanding are key in this situation. The most important thing is for the child to feel loved and accepted for who they are.