Facial surgery

Otoplasty

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical intervention used to correct ear deformities.

It is sometimes simple (treating big ear lobes or small defects). In general, the surgical technique depends on the deformity.

The most frequent are prominent ears (projected outwards),usual cause for bullying which can hurt the people with this alteration.

Otoplasty allows to remodel, make smaller, stick and place correctly the ears, gicing them a more natural appearance.

Am I a candidate to this surgery?

If you or your child think that your ears are too prominent, that they are extended outwards or too big, and that is an inconvenience to you, you may have this surgery done. Some patients avoid cutting their hair short in order to hide their ears and some women avoid wearing it up and wearing certain hairstyles that may show their ears.

From which age can this surgery be done?

It is possible to perform this surgery on people from 4 or 6 years old, when the ears reach their development. It also coincides when the children start school, where they can suffer from bullying. A lot of adult patients also have this operation, after having thought it for many years.

Which surgical technique is used?

Dr. Máiz uses a technique developed by Dr Julio Stédile (Porto Alegre, Brasil).

This technique is based on the study of the cartilaginous tissues and their convexities. It can be performed both on children and adults.

This method of immediate repositioning of the ears consists in practicing incisions and microincisions to reshape the convexities of the cartilage as well as to extract fragments of it, depending on the case.

The advantages of this technique are:

• This technique is based on the study of the cartilaginous tissues and their convexities. It can be performed both on children and adults.This method of immediate repositioning of the ears consists in practicing incisions and microincisions to reshape the convexities of the cartilage as well as to extract fragments of it, depending on the case.
• It reduces drastically the post surgery recovery period and the need of using a compressing band more than 48 to 72 hours.
• It gives smoothness to the folds of the cartilages which gives a natural appearance to the ear.
• It prevents the bad results of other techniques such as ears completely adhered to the head.
• Patients who had already had otoplasties done with bad results can profit from this technique (secondary otoplasty).

If the deformity is only on one ear, surgery is performed on both in order to prevent asymmetries.

Why to choose an otorhinolaryngologist?

Otorhinolaryngologists are ear specialists, both in their function (audition) and the alterations and illnesses they can present.

These pictures show otoplasties performed during the early 20th century.

Which anaesthesia is used?

Depending on the circumstances both general and local anaesthesia can be used.

How long does the surgery take?

Usually between one and a half hours to two hours, but it may take longer if the case is more complicated. This depends on the deformity and the techniques being used.

Will it leave visible scars?

There will only be a scar where the ear and the cranium are united, but since it is under a fold of the cartilage it will not be visible.

What is the post surgery like?

After the surgery the patient will wear a dressing to help keeping the ears in their new position. It will be removed in three or four days and replaced with an elastic band. After seven days the stitches will be removed.

What can I expect after the surgery?

After the surgery the patient will wear a dressing to help keeping the ears in their new position. It will be removed in three or four days and replaced with an elastic band. After seven days the stitches will be removed.

Bear in mind that an otoplasty improves the appearance and position of the ears but does not perfect them.

Even though the ears will look almost normal only two weeks after the surgery, there will have to pass some months before they reach their final appearance (after the disappearance of oedemas and the process of inner scarring is complete).

Is it possible to reduce the size of the ears?

Yes. Otoplasty allows the surgeon to reposition, reshape and reduce the size of the ears, and even to make them more symmetrical.

Could the surgery damage the audition?

No. The part of the ear dedicated to audition is not altered.

How long does the recovery take?

The patient will be able to return to their normal lives in a week. Jobs that require abrupt movements or big physical efforts are not recommended.

Dr Máiz’s advises:

Before the surgery:

• If the patient is a child, it is recommended that the parents explain them as cleare as they can the procedure.
• Do not take any drug that contains salicylic acid (aspirins) and derived products.
• Do not smoke during the previous month to the surgery.
• Inform about allergies to any medication.
• Have realist expectations about the results.

After the surgery:

• Rest at home during the first 3 to 4 days.
• When you move, get up or change position, do it carefully during the first week.
• Avoid exercise and lifting heavy objects for 15 days. You may do light aerobic exercises after two weeks and intense exercise only after 6 weeks from the procedure.
• You will probably be able to retake your normal activities in 4 to 8 days, as long as you are not exposed to drastic temperature changes, intense physical efforts or risks of being hit. Avoid being exposed for too long to low temperatures and intense heat.
• Sleep with your head lifted the first days to reduce the inflammation and avoid sleeping on your side, since you have to avoid any pressure or rubbing.
• Do not hear heavy earrings during the first month.
• To prevent your ears form being hit, do not hold little kids or pets in your arms after the surgery.
• You will be able to wash your hair with shampoo once the dressing is removed.
• Inflammation and bruises are normal, and will disappear after the second week. If you feel intense pain or fever, tell us immediately.
• Once the dressing is removed, it is recommended to wear an elastic band (like those used by tennis players) around the head at night, at least for two weeks or more, in order to prevent your ears from folding forwards.

Mentoplasty

What is mentoplasty?

Mentoplasty is a surgery to correct an underdeveloped chin, and it is done by inserting a silicon implant.