Otoplasty in Iran

Who is a good candidate for ear cosmetic surgery?

The following are among the most common reasons to be measured before surgery to make sure you are qualified for otoplasty.

• People who have large ears congenitally.
• People whose heads and ears do not fit or have a strange appearance.
• People whose ears have lost their shape and position due to injury.
• People who are in good health will be realistic about the results of surgery.

Advantages of Otoplasty

• through otoplasty, the shape, and direction of the ear become more beautiful and better.
• otoplasty surgery boosts self-confidence.
• It is a low-risk procedure that even children over the age of five can do.
• The result of ear surgery is continuous and lasts a lifetime.

Disadvantages of Otoplasty

• Scarring or numbness of the ear or face may occur permanently.
• Young children may react to subsequent care and recovery procedures.
• There is a possibility of unevenness and asymmetry of the corners.
• Excessive reshaping of the ears may create an abnormal appearance in such a way that the ears appear to be firmly clinging backward.

Tips mentioned above are the pros and cons of otoplasty surgery that should be considered when deciding to have the surgery, but these complications may rarely occur. If you are considering specific cases, you can consult your specialist.

Possible Complications of Otoplasty

• Accumulation of blood under the skin may require drainage.
• Decreased sensation in the corners
• Infection and bleeding
• Showing an allergic reaction
• Damage to the lower parts of the ear
• Undesirable complications that may require surgery or other procedures.

Measures Before Otoplasty

• Avoid smoking for six weeks before surgery as recovery will be faster.
• Avoid taking medications such as aspirin, some anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medicines that increase bleeding.
• Your body should not be dehydrated before and after surgery, so drink enough water to make the healing process easier.
• Take good care of the skin around and around the ear by rinsing the ear with warm water and applying sunscreen to the skin around the ear.
• Before surgery, you should follow a good and nutritious diet, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase your preparation for surgery with regular exercise.

Types of Otoplasty

In the following, we will describe the types of cosmetic ear surgeries and explain each of them.

Enlargement Otoplasty

Some people have very small ears that have not grown well, so the size of the ears can be changed by otoplasty surgery.

Bringing the ears closer to the head

This type of surgery is performed for people with prominent ears whose ears are far from the head. By otoplasty surgery, the protrusion of the ears decreases and gets closer to the head.

Shrinking the ears

When the ears are overgrown, which is called macrotia, otoplasty reduces the size of the ears and makes them more natural.

How is Otoplasty performed?

The procedure of otoplasty is such that after making the incision at the specified site, the doctor removes the extra cartilage and skin, then collects the cartilage in the right position and tightens them with internal stitches, and creates other stitches in the outer part of the ear to close the incisions.

Otoplasty Postoperative Instructions

The patient must follow all postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon. Keep in mind that the time it takes to recover varies from person to person. During recovery, a responsible person should be with you because it is very important to rest well in the first week after surgery.

But it doesn’t mean you never have to move, you have to move sometimes to keep the blood flowing and have a little mobility. You can lie down to alleviate pain or discomfort, but you should keep your head higher with a pillow and try not to sleep on your side to avoid pressure on the corners. Do not remove the dressings without consulting your doctor or surgeon.

Your doctor will tell you when to remove the dressing and when to use antibiotics. In otoplasty surgery, stitches are used that do not need to be removed, but if otherwise, ask your doctor about the time to pull the stitches. If you use a bandage around your scalp, always try to keep it clean and dry, and you can not cut your hair until the bandage is removed.

Ear sutures may reach the surface of the skin and cause allergies. Use painkillers to reduce pain. You can resume your light work and activities after a week and see the final results of the surgery after two weeks. However, there may be other small changes in the ear within a year.

What is the Result of Otoplasty?

The outcome of otoplasty varies greatly depending on the changes you want to make, but in the end, the self-esteem of the individual, especially children, and adolescents, improves. Inflammation and swelling of the ear or allergy are normal, even the possibility of redness around the affected area, and you may feel tingling in the outer ear, although over time these complications decrease. The result of otoplasty or ear surgery is usually lifelong and will prevent events that affect the shape of the ear. But it is important to see your doctor for the best results and more safety at set times or when you notice changes in your corners.

8 important things to do after surgery

1. Do not rub or touch the ears, after surgery, the body will return to normal, but you should be careful to avoid touching or rubbing the ears for the first two weeks. Because by doing so, the ears are not properly placed in place and it is possible to damage the incisions. You should also move cautiously because the ears are numb and you won’t feel it if there’s a blow to the ear.

2. Cover your ears with headbands for two weeks, as they will protect your ears and put them in place. Most patients should use this device 2 weeks a day, then only one month at night. Wear buttoned shirts for the first few weeks and avoid wearing t-shirts and closed-front shirts.

3. Quit smoking for at least two weeks after surgery and avoid inhaling the smoke as it will slow down the healing process and the wounds.

4. The first week after surgery, discharge may come out of the ear. This is perfectly normal and you should not panic because it is necessary for ear drainage. These dark, thick, or red liquids can be cleaned with a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide in consultation with your doctor to clear the outside of the ear. But be careful not to enter the ear canal in any way.

5. Swelling and inflammation are some of the natural stages of recovery. To reduce swelling for two weeks, keep your head up during sleep because it helps reduce it, and during the day you should avoid sores or any factors that cause bleeding in the ear.
6. Do not scratch the wounds so as not to damage them. Wound itching is completely normal and is a sign of wound healing. But the important thing is that if the itching is accompanied by redness and heat discharge, be sure to consult a doctor.

7. Avoid sun exposure for one to two months. Because the ears are numb for several weeks and do not feel the damage caused by the heat. Do not use a hairdryer to prevent burns. It takes about a month to heal the wounds and trim them.

8. Use a healthy diet, fresh juices, and smoothies. Because during recovery, the body needs vitamins and brain materials to heal. Avoid rigid foods in the first days after surgery. General anesthesia makes you feel nauseous, but you can eliminate this by eating clear fluids.