Otoplasty Overseas

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery involving the correction of the outer ear (pinna). The surgery is also referred to as ear pinning or reshaping, as it is customarily used to treat protruding ears, to reduce the size of large ears or to correct defects or deformities in the pinna.

The deformities can be physical injuries or congenital. The surgery is normally performed on both ears so to ensure they are symmetrical and proportional to the face.

The first instances of Otoplasty have been recorded as early as the 5th century BC, performed by Indian Ayurvedic physician Sushruta. 

The methodology prevalent in most medical institutions today involve the otoplastic surgeon correcting the defect or deformity by making an incision behind the ear, or in the inner creases of the ear and removing the excess cartilage, allowing the surgeon to reshape the ear. Once this is achieved, the incision is closed with stitches.

Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon may use local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The surgery is recommended to individuals with deformed ears, stretched ears or patients who simply want to change the shape or size of their ears.

How Inexpensive Is Otoplasty Overseas?

How Much Time Will The Entire Procedure Take?

Typically the surgery takes only about 1-2 hours. The average stay abroad for a patient is about a week. Postoperative care and follow-up service can be availed at local hospitals and thus, a second trip abroad concerning this surgery is uncommon.

Important Facts And Risks Associated With The Surgery

• It is recommended that the patient doesn’t wash his or her hair for about a week following the surgery.
• After the bandages are removed, it is advisable that the patient wears a protective headband while sleeping.
• Swimming and contact sports like rugby or judo are not allowed for about 10 weeks.
• Temporary itching and discomfort for a few days following the surgery is normal.
• Potential risks include infection, over-correction, under-correction, asymmetry and scarring behind the ear.
• The treatment is not recommended for children below 5 years of age.

FAQs

Can Otoplasty be reversed?

Changes made due to this surgery are permanent. However, the shape of the ear may change over time. Any further changes by surgery are severely limited by amount of tissue still present in the ear.

Does Otoplasty affect hearing?

No, the relatively minor structural adjustments made to the structure of the ear do not affect the patient’s hearing.

Source: medhalt