|
|
|
|
Otoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed to "pin back" or correct protruding ears. The surgery can be performed on adults as well as on children usually over five years of age. It is often recommended at an early age to help alleviate teasing at school by other children. Many parents are unaware of the severe psychological trauma that may result from such harassment.
There are many technique of Otoplasty. However, the most common (traditional) method involves incisions in the back of the ears to expose the ear cartilage. Some cartilage is usually remodeled or removed before the ear is repositioned. Sutures are then used to maintain this correction. The exterior skin is sutured and the ears are bandaged for several days to protect them in their new position. Sutures are generally removed within a few days.
The crux of this technique is recreation of normal cartilage fold in the ear. To create a normal fold, parallel cuts are made in the cartilage in the region where normal fold is expected, and several permanent sutures are placed to maintain that fold. Then the ear is pinned back with permanent sutures going from the edge of the auricle (ear) to the lining of the bone to permanently flatten out the ear in the more natural position.
Standard technique often produces artificial-looking sharp edges because it incorporates removal of a strip of cartilage. Such methodology is unnecessary except in a very limited number of cases because the appearance of large ears is not caused by the actual ear size but by the angle of their position relative to the patient's head.
Dr. Chugay's Otoplasty includes a technique of creating a natural-looking ear fold. The cartilage of protruding ear is incised in two places and sutured together with permanent sutures. No cartilage is removed. This method yields the natural-looking ear fold with smooth edges.
The technique utilized by Dr. Chugay is not uncommon, and it has been independently popularized by many plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Nonetheless, most surgeons still continue utilizing the standard procedure. To ensure that you or your child end up with natural-looking ears, make sure that your surgeon does not use the standard technique.
Dr. Chugay utilizes a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation. You will be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. The risky general anesthesia is not used. LEARN MORE ABOUT ANESTHESIA.
The improvement from surgery is readily apparent, although the final result will not be evident for several weeks due to swelling and other natural changes that are a result of healing. Swelling and bruising are normal, but usually disappear within a week or so. Patients usually return to full activity by the end of two weeks, although it is necessary to protect the ears from trauma or bending until healing is more complete. Discomfort is mild and rarely is pain medication required.
Click here for more information on Otoplasty