An otoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to reshape the outer ear and is often used to correct deformities. The procedure may be performed under general or local anesthesia. An incision is then made behind the ear, and the skin is elevated so that the cartilage is exposed and the necessary repair work can be done. After the otoplasty procedure has been completed, the incision is closed and a sterile dressing is applied to the wound. Complete recovery following the procedure can take a few months, although the most difficult portion of the recovery process tends to take only about a week.
The otoplasty procedure may be considered as a method of treatment for those born with birth defects affecting the shape of the ears, those who have suffered traumatic injury resulting in disfigurement of the ears, or those who simply wish to make the ears appear less prominent. Depending on the individual situation, the surgery may be performed on one or both ears. While some of the technicalities of the otoplasty procedure will vary according to the severity of the deformity, the basic technique remains the same.
The patient undergoing an otoplasty procedure may be sedated using general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia is a complete sedation in which the patient is unaware of the surgery as it takes place and has no memory of the procedure after it has been performed. Local anesthesia allows the person to remain awake without experiencing any pain or discomfort during the surgery and involves numbing the ear and surrounding areas.
After the anesthesia of choice has been administered, a small incision is made behind the ear. The skin is then moved away from the cartilage and the necessary repair work begins. The cartilage is carefully reshaped and any excess skin tissue is removed. The incision is then closed with stitches that will dissolve on their own and not need to be removed by a doctor.
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be needed for a few days following the otoplasty procedure. The dressings are normally removed by the doctor two or three days after the surgery. An elastic headband is generally worn while sleeping for about six weeks in order to compress the ears. It may take several weeks or months for complete healing to occur and for the ears to gain their permanent shape and appearance.