Otoplasty FAQ

WHAT IS OTOPLASTY?

Otoplasty is the cosmetic surgery that is conducted to improve the external appearance of our ears.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS THAT NEED TO BE CORRECTED?

More often it deals with prominent ears. It is the condition in which the pinna of our ears are longer away from our head either due to excessive curvature of the conchal or cymbal cartilage or due to  lack of normal folding of the helix. It can also alter the size of the ears but also address more difficult and complex problems of congenital or traumatic origin.

WHAT IS THE PROPER AGE GROUP?

The procedure is suitable for adults and children usually older than the age of 5.

WHY IS IT BETTER TO OPERATE A CHILD IN PRESCHOOL AGE?

It is advisable for children to be operated after the age of five when ear development has been completed and before the child enters school to avoid any psychological burden from annoying comments in the school environment.

HOW IS THE INTERVENTION MADE?

The surgery is performed at the clinic. The incision is always at the back side of the ear and thus achieves complete absence of visible post-operative scars.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS PREFERRED?

In young children general anesthesia is preferred. In adolescents and adults, the most common option is local anesthesia.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE LAST?

The operation usually takes about an hour.

IS IT PAINFUL?

Most patients experience a mild discomfort, which is mainly caused by the bandage and less by the surgery itself. Administering simple painkillers postoperatively is sufficient to treat this mild discomfort. The almost complete absence of pain explains why this procedure is extremely tolerable by children.

DOES IT REQUIRE A STAY IN THE CLINIC?

It is not required to stay at the clinic over night. The patient usually leaves the clinic one or two hours after the operation.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE INTERVENTION?

We exit the clinic wearing an elastic bandage for seven days. After its removal and for an additional month, we should wear a sports-style elastic bandage only during sleep.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?

We can return to work after the third postoperative day or at the latest on the seventh day after removing the bandages.