Otoplasty

Why Choose Optoplasty Intervention?

Otoplasty’s surgery aims at relocating the ears (ears) to a new position, closer to the head, as well as remodeling their shape when there is a problem. Otoplasty also has the potential to reduce the size of the ear in general or the lobe only (especially after piercing).

Prominent / Floppy Ears or Rated Otos can be a cause of embarrassment and anxiety for both adults and children. Otoplasty remains the only solution and should only be performed if the growth of the ear has stopped at the age of seven (7) years or older. Of course, in newborns, there is some evidence that the use of special ear cans can correct the problem without surgery. Although, otoplasty can be performed at any time in life, the best time to do is during childhood. The advantage is that it then has better results compared to adults’ otoplasty and in addition avoids the anxiety that will exist throughout childhood.

It is quite difficult for a child to decide on his own to make an otoplasty and surely when there is uncertainty, there can always be a delay until he grows up. However, teasing at school that affects a child’s psychosynthesis should be taken seriously, and if the child expresses interest in otoplasty, at least parents should be interested in and seriously examine the problem with the help of a plastic surgeon .

The Surgical Intervention In Short

Otoplasty fixes the problems that may exist in one or both ears and more often than not one. There are various techniques to achieve the desired effect, but all are based on the same principle; a cut is made at the back of the ear so that it is not discernible, and from there the whole cartilaginous skeleton of the ear is remodeling. The stabilization of the ear in its new position is done either with stitches or with a combination of cartilage and suture. The technique to be used will be discussed with Konstantinos Benetatos during your visit after a full clinical examination to choose the most appropriate for each patient.

Scars

Scars in the ears heal very well and are always behind the ear. Rarely there may be an additional incision in the anterior part of the ear but to a point where it is inconspicuous. This will depend on the individual problem of each patient. Although initially, during the first few weeks, the scars are slightly pink, then cling to white. The possibility of the scar remaining pink as well as the creation of hypertrophic scars or scars is quite rare.

Medicines

A complete medical history should be taken before each surgery. As a precautionary measure, doctors without prescription or herbal products / drugs should not be taken before surgery and for 3 days afterwards. Also, strict non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as salopir ibuprofen (Nurofen) diclofenac (Voltaren) and any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy should be avoided in consultation with the treating physician. It would also be very useful to bring a list of any prescription medicines you receive for your preoperative control.

Smoking

If you are a smoker / smoker, try to quit smoking at least five days before and after surgery, as this will dramatically reduce the chance of post-operative complications.

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Recovery from Otoplasty

Duration of Surgical Intervention

Intervention for both sides of the ear, depending on the technique applied, lasts about one to one and a half (1-1.30) hours. It may be conducted, either locally or under general anesthesia in adults, but always under general anesthesia when it comes to children from seven years of age and over.

Nursing Duration

Otorhinoplasty is an operation carried out in the context of daily hospitalization.

Wound Dressing and Wrinkle Removal

The incisions of the surgery are overlapped with special bandages and sutures that are removed after seven to ten days. For the first five days, patients will carry a large bandage (as a helmet) that when removed will be replaced for the remaining five weeks by a special elastic ribbon that will protect the ears from any movement during sleep .

Postoperative Instructions

On the first day you have to relax. From the second to Thursday (2-5) day you can get up and move freely, but you may feel some inconvenience from the bulky dressing. It is especially important that the bandage that you bring to the head is kept during this period.

From the fifth to the 14th day (5-14) the sutures and the head bandage will be removed, and from the second week most of the swellings and bruises will recede. From now on, you will begin to feel much better and after ten days you will be able to start a mild exercise gradually increasing the intensity.

From the third week you will have fully recovered and will be able to return to your work.

Time of Abstinence from Work and Social Activity

Although recovery time varies from person to person, patients should be given a minimum of one week’s time for complete recovery. Most patients feel very comfortable after a few days and the only possible hindrance to returning to work is the bandage they carry on the head. Any bruises will retreat after two weeks.

Time of Abstinence from Exercise

Patients are usually able to recover a mild physical activity within three to five days and swim in three weeks (if they have fully recovered) while vigorous exercise (aerobic exercise, etc.) should be avoided for four weeks. Finally, sports requiring physical contact (football, boxing etc) should be avoided for eight weeks.

Driving

Patients should avoid driving until they are completely relieved of pain and restraint. This is suggested for patients to secure coverage from their insurance company. They may take one to two weeks to fully recover. Additionally, they should avoid having to wear a helmet in the case of a bicycle for at least one month after the otoplasty.

Postoperative Monitoring

Your wound will be checked and the bandage will be changed and removed on the fifth day, and the suture removal will be the ninth to tenth postoperative day. You will have scheduled visits with Konstantinos Benetato three months and a year to see your smooth postoperative course. There will be no extra charge for any monitoring associated with your otoplasty.

Final Outcome of the Intervention

Although the effect of otoplasty will be immediately felt, it will continue to improve during the first three months, as the swelling will subsist.

Possible Complications of Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a routine procedure and crowns with absolute success for the overwhelming majority of patients. However, as with any surgery, it is very important to understand that there is a possibility of complications. The complications that may occur are listed below.

Recurrence

This can occur in about 6% of cases, with a higher incidence in adults and especially in men. The problem arises as the cartilage has an internal “memory”, which constantly tends to return to its original position and form. If this happens, it is usually a partial relapse of the problem rather than a total (that is, the ears before the surgery).

Low degree of asymmetry

The operation can be performed on one or both ears, depending on the patient’s problem. It is important to note that each ear is different, and therefore the results of the surgery are slightly different from one to the other ear.

Scars

The quality of scars varies between patients and most patients will be exceptionally good over time.

Wound breakage

Although unusual, it can lead to a wound healing delay and affect the quality of the scar.

Hematoma

There is little chance of a hematoma, which will cause the patient to return to the surgery to remove it.

Inflammation

It is very unusual, but if it emerges, it will be necessary to give the patient an antibiotic drug treatment.

Sensory disorder Usually

The sensation in the surgical site returns after a few weeks.

If you feel any symptom that may be of concern to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.