DEFINITION, AIMS AND PRINCIPLES
The correction of prominent ears needs a surgical procedure called “otoplasty”, which the goal is to reshape the auricles, we think, are excessively too visible.
The surgery is usually performed on the two auricles but could be done unilaterally.
Surgery aims at , definitively, correcting abnormalities, by reshaping the ear cartilage, in order to obtain well-positionned, symetrical ears also natural in size and aspect.
An otoplasty can be performed in an adult or in an teenager. However, most of the time it is considered in children.
BEFORE THE OPERATION
A meticulous clinical examination of the ears as well as a photographic assessment will be realized by the surgeon himself to determine the needed modifications.
A usual pre-operative evaluation is done, following the prescriptions.An anesthesiologist must be seen in consultation, at least 48 hours before surgery.
No medicine with aspirin in it must be taken for at least 10 days before surgery.
Aucun médicament contenant de l’aspirine ne devra être pris dans les 10 jours précédant l’intervention.
HOSPITAL STAY AND TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Type of anesthesia : Three possible proceedings:
- local anaesthesia completed by tranquillizing drugs, injected in veins
- classical general anaesthesia, which puts you asleep.
Hospital stay : The surgery can be done in the “day care” department. However, you may sometimes be asked to be kept in hospital for a short stay.
THE PROCEDURE
Skin incisions :
Usually, there are inside the natural retro-auricular fold, that is hidden inside natural folds.
Dissection :
The skin will be then undermine to allow the cartilage to be reached.
Cartilage reshaping:
The principle of this surgery is to create or improve the natural reliefs of the auricles by thinning and/or bending the cartilage framework. Sometimes, cartilage cuting or partial removing is indicated.
Sutures :
Usually, absorbable stiches are used; if not, the stiches must be taken away within 10 days after surgery.
Dressing :
It is done with elastic bandages around the head to keep the ears in a good position.
AFTER THE OPRERATION : THE SURGICAL FOLLOW-UP
Pains are usually moderate .
The first big dressing is taking away the day following the surgery. It will be replaced by a lighter one for another few days.
The ears may then appear swollen with edema (swelling). There may be some more or less important bruises.
A maintaining and protecting head-band (like a tennis head-band) wil be used day and nights for 15 days and then for another few weeks, during night, only.
Sport and exercise should be avoided for 1 month.
THE RESULT
It will be appreciated within 1 to 2 months after surgery.
This surgical procedure will be most of the time efficient to correct auricles abnormalities and to give back natural well positionned, well oriented and well
folded ears, also normal in size, symetry and in general aspect.
L’intervention aura le plus souvent permis de corriger eficacement les anomalies présentes et d’obtenir des oreilles normalement positionnées et orientées, bien plicaturées, symétriques, de taille et d’aspect naturels.