#ear augmentation

At present, there are three types of otoplastic correction:

Ear Pinback – the procedure flattens the “bat ears” or protuberant ears against the head. The surgeon makes an incision in the crease behind the outer ear and then cuts a small hole or tunnel on the front folded antihelix. The Concha is then moved closer to the head once the cartilage is loosened. Excess skin and cartilage are removed from the ear rim and then it is sutured to the new shape of the antihelical fold that balances the earlobe with the proportions of the pinna.

Ear reduction – it involves reducing a component or components of an oversized ear. Incisions are not visible or hidden. It can be at the front folds or near the pinna.

Ear augmentation – it is performed on underdeveloped or completely absent pinna. It involves adding structural elements to replace the missing ear structure. The cartilage used for the procedure are usually taken from the rib cage or the aurical cartilage.

Ear augmentation can be performed using local or general anesthesia and can be performed as an outpatient. Post surgery bruising and swelling may last for two weeks and the surgical scars will not be noticeable once the swelling goes down.

After the surgery, the patient's head is wrapped with a turban like a bandage for up to five days. The patient is then instructed to wear a ski type  headband over the ears for about 30 days or a month after the bandage is removed. The patient will also be instructed to wear the headband at night for two months. The headband should not be tight but provide a snug fit . The headband will prevent any accidental bumps and prevent the ears from being pulled forward when the patient is sleeping.

Warm compress is recommended three times a day for two weeks, this will help in minimizing pain and swelling. Any contact sport and strenuous activities should be avoided  for up to three months to avoid the stitches or sutures to open. The patient can return to work or school within the week after the surgery.Post surgery numbness may manifest several weeks and the ears may feel stiff for a few months.

In regards to children having the surgery, the child should be old enough to understand the surgery and why it was performed. Preferred age for children to have Otoplasty is about 5 years old and older. The sutures are usually non absorbable but the wounds or incisions can be sutured with either absorbable or non absorbable sutures that can be removed when the surgical wound has already healed. The length of surgery will depend on the  deformity of the ear. Surgery can take between 2 hours up to five hours. Also take note to avoid excessive bandage pressure upon the ear because it will increase swelling and will cause pain.