Otoplasty - Plastic surgery of protruding auricles

Otoplasty is an operation to improve the shape of the ear or part of the ear. The auricle is a very complex organ in shape, so we often encounter congenital defects of the auricle, the simplest defect being the protruding auricle. Most surgeries are performed in childhood between the ages of 7 and 10, when the development of the auricle is complete. Until the age of 10, the surgery is covered by health insurance.

Suitable candidates for surgery are

• Healthy individuals who do not have life-threatening diseases or medical conditions that may interfere with healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive attitude toward surgery and a realistic expectation of the outcome

The course of surgery

The procedure is performed in local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. After thorough disinfection and plotting, the surgical incision is placed behind the pinna in the flexural groove between the pinna and the tympanic space to make the scar little visible, the cartilage is prepared and modelled, and at the end of the operation the wound is sutured with absorbable sutures and the shape is maintained with modelling sutures and special cotton wool. During the operation, the surgeon controls the position of both pinnae so that bilateral symmetry is achieved. The ears are bandaged with a slightly elastic bandage.

Postoperative course

The first dressing is made in 2 days, then in 2 weeks, when the larger dressing is removed and the modelling sutures are removed. After that, the ears are protected with a headband that you bring for the dressing, the headband is worn for at least 2 more weeks for 24 hours and weeks to 1 month at night.

Risks

The most common complications include bleeding, wound infection, hematomas, and impaired blood flow with subsequent local necrosis - death of the skin covering. Other complications include asymmetry in the position of the auricles, sometimes reoperation is necessary in case of large asymmetry. Sometimes minor irregularities in the relief of the auricle may occur.

Every surgical procedure leaves a scar. This will mature according to the individual's healing process (hereditary), it takes about 1 year for the scar to mature. The operated area periodically experiences sensory disturbance when small cutaneous nerves are severed. The return of sensitivity takes a longer time.

Price of the procedure