Otoplasty: how it is done, benefits, risks and recovery

Otoplasty – also known as ear surgery – is generally indicated to repair imperfections in the structure of the ears (from the person’s own birth and development or caused by an injury).

Marcelo Moreira, plastic surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), explains that otoplasty is any plastic surgery in the auricle, or ear. Learn more about the procedure, benefits, risks and price of the surgery.

Procedure

Otoplasty, according to Moreira, “can be restorative, aesthetic, as simple as closing a fissure or tear in the ear lobe, or total reconstruction. The most common is for ‘protruding ear’ correction”.

As in the case of other surgeries, prior to the procedure, it will be necessary to undergo a medical evaluation, undergo tests and follow the other recommendations of the surgeon. The procedure itself usually takes two to three hours and can be summarized in the following steps:

• Anesthesia is performed, which may be local and intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, as recommended by the doctor.
• In general, for the correction of protruding ears, surgical techniques are used to decrease the angle of the ear with the skull and remake (increase or create) the anti-helix (or anti-helix, fold that is inside the edge of the ear) – which is also off in cases of protruding ears.
• It is also customary to reduce the cartilage of the concha (deeper concavity of the outer ear).
• Incisions are usually made behind the ear. But, in cases where they need to be in the front, they are made in the folds (to be hidden).
• A non-removable suture is also made internally in order to create and support the newly molded cartilage.
• External stitches are used to close the incisions.

It is worth emphasizing that this is just a step-by-step example, since each surgery has its particularities, according to the reason/objectives of the procedure.

Marcelo Moreira comments that the result of the otoplasty can be noticed immediately after the surgery. “However, it usually appears, in fact, after a month or so,” he says.

benefits of otoplasty

Moreira points out that the surgery is indicated for children, adolescents or adults who have (and are uncomfortable) with some deformity in the ear, such as, in the most common case, the protruding ear. In this sense, the main benefits of the procedure can be highlighted:

1. More harmonious appearance: otoplasty provides a more natural appearance, as it generates greater balance/proportion between the ears and the face.
2. Improved self-esteem: otoplasty offers more than aesthetic benefits, as the discomfort with the shape, proportions or position of the ear often impairs the person’s self-esteem.

Improving self-esteem can be very important, even in the case of children who, especially when they start socializing with classmates at school, become the target of jokes and mean nicknames (due to the shape of their ears).

Surgery, in general, can be performed from the age of six or seven in healthy children, since, at this age, the cartilage has already been completed but is still more “moldable”, which makes the surgery technically simpler.

Scratchs

Moreira explains that, like all surgery, otoplasty has its risks and must be performed in a hospital. “The main risks are local, such as infection and hematoma,” he says.

Thus, the following can be cited as possible risks of otoplasty:

• Bleeding/hematoma
• Infection
• bad healing
• Swelling
• General risks from anesthesia
• Pain
• Asymmetry
• Allergies (for example, to tape or other used material)

However, the tendency, as in other surgeries, is that everything goes well when a good professional is chosen. Therefore, it is essential to do the procedure only with a specialist doctor by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery.

Recovery

It is essential to follow all the guidelines given by the plastic surgeon. Among them are usually:

• Wear a hair band. Moreira explains that the main thing in the postoperative period is to use a band directly in the first 15 days (day and night). And after that, just use it to sleep for another 15 days.
• Correctly take the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
• Rest for the first three days.
• Avoid foods that require “a lot of force” to chew.
• Do not wash your hair for the first few days to avoid wetting the dressing.
• Do not perform physical activities for at least the first three weeks or as directed by the doctor.

As always, following the doctor’s recommendations is essential for the success of the surgery and also to avoid unnecessary problems and discomfort.

value of otoplasty

The CRM does not allow the plastic surgeon to disclose values. In addition, the price of otoplasty varies greatly according to the doctor’s experience and the particularities of the procedure to be performed.

However, according to reports from those who have already performed this procedure, the average price ranges from R$3000 to R$7000.

In addition, some health plans cover this procedure and there is also Projeto Orelhinha, a social initiative that makes otoplasties possible in 16 cities in Brazil, from Ceará to Rio Grande do Sul – it is worth researching to see if it is a possibility for you.

Testimonials about otoplasty

Nothing better than listening to the experience of people who have already had the surgery and can help you clarify doubts and take courage to do yours. Check out:

Otoplasty, by Jana Taffarel

Jana tells all the details of her surgery, from pre to post-op, and takes the main doubts about it. In addition, she leaves you tips for choosing your doctor and finally deciding to have otoplasty.

All about my otoplasty, by Mayara Costa

Mayara had her surgery through Projeto Orelhinha, an alternative for whom cost is an impediment. In the video, she shares all the steps she took until the day of the surgery and tells what she felt during the procedure itself.

My plastic surgery – Otoplasty, by Thays Gomes

Thays’ postoperative period had some minor complications, such as ear rashes and rejection of one of the internal stitches. She explained what she did to deal with these issues, as well as giving all the details of her surgery.

Otoplasty: How Much Does It Cost? Recovery?, by Nah Vilar

The video is very complete and in it Nah tells how her life was before the surgery, what the average price she found when researching in her city, how the surgery and recovery was.

Now just study the best possibility for you and get organized to do your otoplasty. Also know the benefits and clarify your doubts about blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery).