Ears (otoplasty)

Q. Is the operation to correct sticking-out ears painful? Will the result be natural?

A. Otoplasty is not a painful kind of surgery. The operation is normally performed under local anesthetic with sedation for adults and teenagers and under general anesthetic for children. If the operation is performed by a specialist plastic surgeon the result is usually very good and natural.

Q. At what age is it possible to have otoplasty?

There are no age limits to undergo otoplasty, but it is preferable to wait for the end of the development of the auricle - which occurs around the age of 4.

In children, this kind of operation is usually performed between the ages of 6 and 14 which is when children become most aware of physical defects which may cause embarrassment or make them feel self-concious. It is also an operation requested by adults and the same excellent results can be achieved on them as well.

Q. After otoplasty surgery, will I be able to pin up my hair without showing the scars?

A. Yes. The incisions are absolutely invisible in that they are well hidden behind the ears.

Q. When will I be allowed to shower?

A. After removing the “turban-like” dressing that is applied at the end of the operation and that must be worn for about two days, you will be able to wash your ears with caution, which will keep the wounds clean, but you’ll have to wait about 10 days for the incisions to heal before showering. It is unadvisable to bathe in the sea or in a swimming pool for at least 1 month after surgery.

Q. When will I be able to wear glasses once again?

A. After otoplasty surgery, the use of glasses should be avoided for at least one month. As the incision is made behind the ear, once the tissues have consolidated, there will be no problems with wearing glasses.

Q. I’ve always been in the habit of wearing very heavy earrings that, with the passing of time, have lengthened and expanded the hole of the lobe. What can be done?

A. This defect can be repaired through a plastic surgery operation which allows the hole to be closed and the so-called “forked” lobe to be repaired. A few weeks later, it will be possible to make a new hole in a different place apart from the site of the previous one in order not to traumatize the tissues that have just been repaired.

Q. Can otoplasty impair hearing?

A. No, because the operation concerns only the outside of the ear itself and does not involve the inner ear.

Q. Can otoplasty be performed with laser? What are the advantages of using laser?

A. In otoplasty, laser can be used in place of a scalpel when making the initial incision, but it offers no advantages because the scar will be the same and the success of the operation depends on the surgeon’s skillfulness at contouring and suturing the cartilage of the ear and not on the incision made.