Otoplasty
Cosmetic surgery to alter the looks of the external ears is referred to as otoplasty. Otoplasty can move, remove, add, or reshape the ear as per the individual’s choice. ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons or maxillofacial surgeons carry out this procedure. This procedure will cost about US$ 2,000 to US$ 5,000. Otoplasty is usually done when the person is aged between 4 and 14 though this surgery can be performed on adults too. This surgery produces very good results in children rather than adults as their cartilages are not as firm as adult cartilages. Through otoplasty you can:
- Bring the ears closer to the head; popularly known as ear pinning.
- Reshape any bend in the ear cartilage.
- Reduce the size of the ears if they are very big.
- Correct deformed ears or abscent-microtic ears.
Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia combined with sedation or under general anesthesia if the surgery involves kids. Anesthesia is chosen depending on the severity of the case. Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about two to three hours to get completed. The person can get back to normalcy after five to seven days. The ear should not be bent for about a month and the person should wear a bandage to protect the ears for about a week.
Different types of otoplasty procedures
Incision less otoplasty: Needle is positioned via the skin to sculpt the cartilage and to hold the retention sutures. One incision is made to sculpt the ear; this incision is made behind the ear. The necessary correction is carried out through this incision.
Ear reduction otoplasty: reducing the components in the ear, incisions made are not visible.
Microtia: small ear deformity can be corrected by adding components as per requirement. Reconstruction procedure is usually performed on the cartilage of the ear.
Anotia: Missing ear deformity can be corrected by adding components as per requirement. Reconstruction procedure is usually performed on the cartilage of the ear.
Risks of otoplasty
- Blood clots in the ear, it either dissolves on its own or can be removed by the surgeon.
- Infection in the cartilage, this can be treated with antibiotics.
- Numbness of the skin in the ear or the face.
- Pain for a long duration.
- Permanent scarring.
- External ear canal might narrow down.
Plastic Surgeon
A surgeon, who can correct deformity, scars and disfigurement caused by accidents, birth defects and treat diseases like skin cancer (melanoma), is called a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon also performs surgeries purely based on cosmetic purposes, e.g. rhinoplasty. The first plastic surgeon of the U.S. was Dr. John Peter Mettauer who performed his first surgery of cleft palate in the year 1827. Plastic surgeons perform various levels of surgeries on human body to beautify and restructure it. The main surgeries performed by plastic surgeons:
Reconstructive surgeries: The most common surgeries in the reconstructive section are breast reconstruction, palate surgery, cleft lip, surgery for patients suffering from burns called contracture surgery. Another technique called microsurgery is performed where tissue is transferred from one place to another where tissue is damaged and needs replacement.
Cosmetic surgery: The most famous and common surgery in the area of plastic surgery is cosmetic surgery and is performed purely from beautification point of view. Cosmetic surgery also known as aesthetic surgery is done just to enhance the beauty of any part and may possibly be a reconstructive surgery. The surgery improves the beauty or looks of any part of the body and is usually referred with the name of that particular part of the body. For e.g. Abdominoplasty/tummy tuck - reconstruction of the abdomen, Blepharoplasty/eyelid surgery - application of permanent eyeliner or reshaping the eyelids.
Cosmesis: Another common procedure called as cosmesis is a blend of reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery. In the process of reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery techniques are utilized thus improving cosmesis.
In addition to these branches of plastic surgery, there are also surgeries such as craniofacial surgery - mainly dealing with pediatric deformities, maxillofacial surgery - improvement of the jaw and the face.
The risk of handing over your beauty lies with the plastic surgeon. Ensure your surgeon is
- Certified by a board, e.g. American Board of Plastic surgery.
- The surgeon is rightly qualified, cross check his qualifications with the right body. He should have completed medical school and then specialized for five years in the field of general surgery and then plastic surgery. After this should have cleared oral and written examinations held by the board.
- Has the right infrastructure and facilities to handle surgeries. They should be well-equipped with the latest gadgets and facilities thereby making the procedure easy.
- Has enough experience in the field of plastic surgery.
Latest trends in plastic surgery
- Use of lasers and fiber optic telescopes to in the field has led to better results and satisfying customers. The outcome of the surgery is more enduring than earlier times.
- This method has made plastic surgery more economical and trouble-free as a result reduced side effects.
- An endoscopic method for facelifts and forehead corrections.
- Modern techniques mean smaller incisions and practically no scars left behind after the surgery.
- Also modern sedation techniques like the intravenous sedation save a lot of trouble and risk for the patients.
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