Ear Reshaping Surgery (Otoplasty) is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the external ear. While the use of otoplasty for aesthetic purposes continues to rise, it can also be employed to repair injuries, congenital malformations, and craniofacial syndromes. Otoplasty has evolved over the years, starting from cartilage resection initially utilized and then progressed through conchal setback and cartilage scoring, allowing both anatomic shaping and fixation. Its goal, when performed for aesthetic purposes, is to set the ears closer to the head, balance the two ears’ appearance, and correct deformities after an external ear trauma.

The external ear is divided into two parts: the cartilaginous part, which is shaped like the letter “C,” minus the second curve going forward in space, and the anterior auricular flap. The C-shaped cartilage is a ring with clean anterior and posterior convex appearances. It houses the concha, the triangular fossa with a bottom pointing inwardly. Children with ears that protrude more than 2 cm from the head have a higher potential for ridicule and will generally have fewer friends. The anterior projection of the end is not supposed to commence until 6 years for females and 7 years for males.

Post-Operative Expectations and Care

Patients may experience some soreness of the ears immediately after surgery. The upper portion of the ear may have some loss of sensation. Patients will be swollen and develop some discoloration of the skin in the area of surgery. Swelling should decrease and discomfort should improve each day. Post-operative visits are generally scheduled at 1-5 days after the operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. If a problem arises before your next scheduled visit, please call the office to schedule an appointment. Do not attempt to remove the dressings or inspect the incision unless directed to.

Management of pain: Once you are at home, you should try to reorient yourself to the environment. The sooner you are moving about, the faster you will recover. A sore throat is not unusual following the type of anesthesia given for your surgery. This may last for two or three days. You may have a slight fever the first night after surgery. The day after surgery, you may shower. A strong directed stream of water should be avoided. Do combine your pain pills and rest. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Do call our office if you think you are experiencing a problem. Swelling or ear discomfort may be expected. If activities are limited, relocate a supply of “survival items” near the place you will be spending the first few days in recuperation.
Early post-operative care: Pain relievers are prescribed to help manage post-operative pain. Apply cool compresses to the ears for the first 24-48 hours; the dressing may cover the skin compress. Try to sleep on your back for 1 week. Pain may be present, but should be less each day. Sleep can become more sound and lengthen as many times as directed to turn the ears outward. Dressings must be worn for 5-7 days.

Medication on the ears: Samples of medication may be given for you to apply. Medications include ointments, solutions, or other substances for both comfort and healing of the ear. Antibiotics and/or pain-relief medications will be prescribed by the doctor. Activities should be limited and should not cause the dressing to slip. Minimal movement of the head is needed the next day after surgery. After the dressing is removed, the patient must be wary of direct pressure such as athletic helmets, ear protectors, or hats. These should not be worn for at least 2-3 weeks postoperatively.

Dressing: The dressing must be worn anytime there is a risk of direct contact between the ear and the environment. Healing can be disrupted with a framing disaster. If the dressing becomes loose, return to your surgeon’s office for a replacement dressing. Please keep the office informed of your condition. During the time in between dressing changes, do not let a fluid-soaked bandage remain in place against the ear.

Hygiene: Maintain good daily hygiene. Use soap and water and change the dressing as directed. You may clean the ears with alcohol on a pad. Loose ointment or discharge not removed should be considered in truth in ear hygiene measures. By 3-5 days post-operatively, a non-stick dressing can be applied. Loose ear headbands or tubing can be placed around the ears to prevent the resulting cartilage shape. Your doctor will instruct you on methods at home to maintain this form.

Post-operative care and results after otoplasty: Most patients can resume modified activity shortly after the operation while avoiding vigorous exercise. Regular care is appreciated as the months pass. Continuing follow-up with the surgeon is important. A formal one-month location is scheduled as the changes and the shape. Normal healing conditions must be followed with the rapid removal of skin crusts and the decrease in swelling and bruising. Revisions and management of complications can be discussed at a management appointment. Otoplasty, aiming to produce normal ear contours and shapes in healthy, well-adjusted individuals, is both a technical demand on the surgeon and a journey for the patient. Any and all questions should be specifically directed to your health care provider.

Patient Selection and Suitability for Otoplasty

A pre-operative assessment may exclude some patients as unsuitable for surgery if they fall outside the recommended boundaries. The age and maturity of each patient, their general health, the specific ear condition, and the skin cover all influence the decision-making process that will enhance the success of the surgery. Psychological readiness and realistic expectations are also vital for a successful outcome. Most surgeons will have developed a series of questions concerning social, family, and employment concerns that must be asked of every patient during the first consultation. Actual photographs and computer imaging or morphing are most effective when answering the question, “What will the appearance of my ear be postoperatively?” These modalities are useful adjuncts to diagnosis and may encourage patients to undergo surgery. Some surgeons find that they can select suitable candidates for each technique regardless of the underlying deformity and that they appreciate a clear reduction in their contraindications. The surgeon may need to evaluate the question of timing more critically if other factors predominate. Developmental milestones and psychological preparedness are desirable prerequisites for surgery.

Result anticipations and outcomes will inevitably be limited by some of the common misconceptions encountered with healthy individuals who request or are advised to undergo otoplasty. Many patients report a lifelong history of “not wanting to be seen from the side” or “having long hair to cover their ears.” Others say that anesthesia is risky and they hope that the postoperative dressing will not show in family photographs over the holidays. Many reports of postoperative disappointment are based on unmet aesthetic results and indicate clearly that the unhappy patients had developed differing expectations prior to the operation. The successful outcome of otoplasty that involves either reconstruction of an unusual auricular anomaly or functional as well as aesthetic surgery will depend on the combination of a multidisciplinary approach to the preoperative assessment, a tailored consultative technique, and the transmission of realistic hopes and goals to the patient. Some patients’ physical appearance is generally ignored by others, or the abnormality becomes “accepted” as personality evolves. In the latter case, surgery may not produce a “new world.” Selecting a good candidate requires an evaluation that includes both the physical and emotional factors. Patients must be able to afford the procedure and render informed consent regarding the risks and benefits. A comprehensive consult includes photographs, imaging, dialogue between the patient and family members, and an evaluation of socioeconomic, emotional, and intellectual parameters.

Aftercare Practices

A careful and safe recovery from the ear reshaping surgery process is vital for an effective procedure. The following are aftercare practices that can promote and strengthen the healing process:

Cleaning: Keep the surgical site clean by washing or disinfecting the site.

Swelling: Keep the dressing around the ears tightly wrapped to support decreased and stabilized swelling. The garment should be worn 24/7 or as recommended. Sleeping with the head elevated will assist with swelling resolution. Gently and periodically apply cold to the ear in the form of ice packs.

Nutrition and Hydration: Drink plenty of water and eat a well-balanced diet to help the body heal.
Numbness: Some areas of the ears may feel numb after surgery. This problem frequently reverses itself after some time.

Follow Up: Keep follow-up appointments for wound checks and dressings. The protocol and frequency of further treatments will be discussed with you at that time.

Complications: If there are any untoward symptoms like increased pain, swelling, sudden chills, or temperature changes, please inform us as soon as possible. We might need to rule out any impending infection.

Emotional Wellbeing: Early in the healing process, some patients may feel very emotionally withdrawn, particularly for ear reversal procedures. This is usually due to anxiety about one’s new visual appeal; it is essential to keep in mind that such responses are typically transient. It is important to reduce physical stress as well as these occurrences.

Get care and compassion to assure that the recovery process is pleasant. While returning to normal work and resuming strenuous physical exercise is important, care must be taken not to expose the area to injury or extreme stress.