Otoplasty Surgery for Correction of Prominent Ears

Everyone is born with different ear shapes and sizes. A normal ear has a gap of 10mm between the upper part and the back of the head whereas the protruding ear has a gap of more than 10mm between the upper part and the back of the head. Some children are born with prominent ears, protruding and asymmetrical ears and other ear-shape problems because of congenital defects. These conditions may affect either one or both the ears. Ears shaped like this can cause psychological distress in the affected children and can be a significant source of embarrassment in adults. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure performed at The Microtia Trust by the ear reconstruction in Mumbai Dr. Parag Telang to correct the ear conditions, such as ears sticking out too far from the head, ears that are large in proportion to the face.

Causes of prominent ears

The presence of too much cartilage in the conchal bowl of the ear and loss of antihelical fold causes prominent ears. The most important factor that causes this condition is probably the inheritance of autosomal dominant trait. This condition may be either bilateral (both ears) or unilateral (one ear).

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty or pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure that is designed to enhance the shape and size of the outer ear with a perfect elevation from the head. In this surgery the distance between the ear and the back of the head is balanced. This surgery can also be performed to correct asymmetries between two ears, and also normalise the appearance of cauliflower ear.

Procedure of Otoplasty Surgery

The best time to perform an otoplasty surgery is any time from the age of seven. This is because by this age the ear cartilage is mature enough to be shaped, and also the child is old enough to co-operate with the surgery and aftercare. The shape of the ear is altered by using permanent sutures to redefine the normal curves.

Otoplasty procedure takes place as follows:

• It is performed under local anaesthesia for adults and under general anaesthesia for children. Before starting with the procedure, proper markings are made.
• With the help of best surgical technique, the surgeon creates or increases the anti helical fold and reduces enlarged conchal cartilage.
• Then the surgeon reshapes and corrects the position of the ear cartilage with the help of sutures.
• After this, the ear folds are created if they are absent, excess cartilage is removed, and sutures are made to attach the ear to the skull.

In the process of improving the shape of the ear, a combination of either scraping the cartilage or stitches may be used. At last, the incisions are closed, and a head bandage is applied. The scars for otoplasty surgery are not visible as they are all placed behind the ear. The patients are generally discharged on the same day of the surgery.

When is the Best Time to Get Otoplasty Surgery Done?

The ear is formed from cartilage and skin. From birth, this cartilage tends to grow to form the outer structure of the ear, thus in the case of prominent ears, the cartilage grows at a larger rate. An ear is fully grown in about 3 yrs and the cartilage gets stronger by the age of 7-8 yrs.

So, if a child has prominent ears, he/she should be checked and monitored for any internal or auditory loss. If just the external appearance of the ear is prominent it can be treated by the age of 3. It is good to treat it at an early age because the cartilage is soft and can easily be removed and healed.

Post-surgery Care

After the otoplasty surgery, it is advised by the plastic surgeon to wear a headband which can cover the ears completely. The headband helps to protect the ears by keeping them in place. It also helps a patient to avoid any kind of pain. Most patients are suggested to wear the headband every time for the first week or two, then only at night for about a month.

Otoplasty can help one achieve a proper ear symmetry. If one is looking for the cost of otoplasty surgery, then consult Dr. Parag Telang at The Microtia Trust. He is one of the best surgeons in India to perform otoplasty surgery. He indeed provides promising results. Contact Dr. Parag Telang for more information on otoplasty surgery in Mumbai!