Many people struggle with protruding ears as a result of genetics. Luckily, an ear surgery can be a solution to pull the shape of the ears closer to the side profile of the head for a more organic appearance. Otoplasty is a safe and simplistic surgical procedure that can be done on children as well. Since the shape of our ears can fully develop at a noticeably young age, this type of surgery is commonly performed on children from as young as 4 to save them from a lifetime of ridiculing from their peers.
What Can I Expect from the Procedure?
An ear surgery involves the surgeon making a small incision on the back of the ear to reach the cartilage. The cartilage of the ears can then be folded and/or sculpted to set the ears closer to the side profile of the head. This procedure takes place under general anaesthesia. We perform it in a day hospital, which means that the patient can go home after the surgery and does not have to stay overnight. It can be performed on adults and children alike as well.
What Happens After My Surgery?
After the cartilage has been sculpted or folded into its new shape, the incision is stitched up to keep the ears in their new position and shape. The patient’s head is also wrapped in a bandage immediately after the surgery to keep the ears in place allow them to recover. The patient can expect some throbbing and aching from the newly shaped cartilage, which can be controlled and relieved with prescribed painkillers from your surgeon. If you are a smoker, please refrain from smoking for a specified period before and after the surgery. This will optimise oxygen flow through your body to grant the cells optimal healing and recovery.
The stitches on the back of the ears are usually removed after a week if they do not dissolve on their own. We highly recommend that any physical activity that would bend the newly shaped cartilage be avoided by the patient. This includes physically bending the cartilage, scratching, or putting on ear-covering headphones. If you are considering this type of procedure for your child, it is pivotal to keep them in the conversation and consider their feelings towards cosmetic ear surgery.
Centurion Cosmetic Clinic is your first choice in cosmetic surgical procedures for women and men living in Gauteng. For more info on an ear surgery, please browse our website for details. Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our professional surgeons.
