The outer ear is made up of cartilaginous tissue. It is located at an angle of 30 degrees to the head. Sometimes this parameter is greater. Then correction is required. It is also prescribed for the deformation of the cartilage, for changing the size of the organ of hearing. In most cases, otoplasty is prescribed.
Otoplasty
This is a kind of surgical treatment aimed at changing the appearance of the external ear. There are more than 200 types of such manipulations. The peculiarity of them is that the function of the ear can not be changed in the process, therefore, otoplasty is often called a cosmetic procedure. With its help it is possible to eliminate external shortcomings.
Indications
The procedure is recommended for correcting the shape of the external ear from the age of five. By this time the process of forming the organ of hearing is being completed. For adults, there are no age restrictions. Indications for cosmetic manipulation are:
- lopurality,
- asymmetry,
- irregular shape of the auricle,
- partial or complete absence of shell.
The last pathology can be both congenital and acquired.
What doctors say about otoplasty:
Types of
Depending on the purpose of the otoplasty, it is divided into two types:
- Reconstructive. It is performed to eliminate congenital or acquired defects.
- Aesthetic. It is carried out to correct the shape and location of the auricles.
Reconstructive
This view allows you to recover serious defects. The creation of the auricle is carried out in several stages. This can take a year or more. In the process, a cartilage framework is created based on costal cartilage. Then it is placed in place of the missing ear in the skin pocket.
This frame needs a few months to settle down in a new place.then it is detached from the head, forming the earlobe in the desired position.
During the last manipulations, the wound in the behind part is closed by a skin graft, which is also taken from the patient. Only after this is formed a tragus and indentations. Thanks to such actions, the newly created ear has all the basic elements.
Reconstructive otoplasty before and after
Aesthetic
Only part of the ear, for example, the lobe or tip, is corrected with this form. This operation is performed only to improve the appearance of the patient. It allows you to press your ears closer to your head.
In the photo the result of aesthetic otoplasty
Techniques
There are several types of effects:
- laser,
- closed,
- open.
Laser
This is an atraumatic correction using a laser beam. This method of exposure prevents the occurrence of inflammatory processes and various suppuration. This species is practically bloodless, as the vessels very quickly heal. With this tool, you can:
- reduce or increase the size of the auricle,
- eliminate the bumpy sound,
- restore the relief of the auricles.
An operation is performed under local anesthesia. After it, there is almost no scarring, and blood vessels are tightened almost instantly. Ears look natural.
Closed
To perform manipulations on the right tissues punctures are made on the back surface of the ear. They are so small that no suturing is required. Advantages include minimal blood loss, a reduction in the risk of colloid scars, a reduction in the duration of the operation.
After the operation, the auricles are supplemented with tampons and gauze impregnated with alcohol solution. After this, a fixing bandage is applied.
Open
This technique is considered classic. In the process, the ear is treated with an antiseptic, an incision and excision of a small portion of the dermis is made behind the shell.
Then the cartilage tissue is modeled taking into account the features of the defect. Sometimes part of the cartilage is removed. Sometimes, when the operation is open, the cartilage is folded and fixed with a special suture.
How to do open otoplasty
Carrying out
Preparing
Before the operation, you need to undergo a full medical examination. Urine and blood are being analyzed, antigens and antibodies are tested, and syphilis is analyzed.
Progress of operation
First, a suitable type of anesthesia is selected. It depends on:
- of the patient's age,
- complexity of the operation,
- of the estimated duration of the manipulation,
- of the presence of concomitant pathologies.
Treatment options depend on anatomical features and the problem itself. If a classic type of otoplasty is chosen, the incision is made behind the ear. The cartilage is removed or formed in such a way as to give the auricle an aesthetic appearance.
The length of the performed manipulation depends on the degree of complexity. On average, one patient is spent from 30 minutes to two hours. For a few hours the patient remains in the clinic. The adult can be engaged in ordinary affairs the next day. Children are exempt from the lessons for a week.
After the performed work, medical napkins are applied, a special bandage. A swab with special antiseptics is inserted into the ear canal. It should be changed every three days.
Demonstration of key otoplasty moments of the ears:
Rehabilitation and recovery
After the procedure, the doctor prescribes drugs with analgesic action. Usually, patients feel discomfort not more than a day. Hematomas persist for several more days.
In the process of restoration, a bandage is worn, which fixes the ears in a special position. Patients should protect their ears from water ingress. Sutures are removed after about 7 days.
The full recovery period lasts up to 6 months. For 5-8 weeks, the patient is recommended to wear a special bandage at night. You can wash your head only after two weeks.
Otoplasty of the ears with the lop-ears
Dangerous symptoms to look out for
After the operation, pay attention to the appearance of allergic reactions. This side effect can be avoided if you pass tests in advance. Perhaps the pain symptoms will not pass more than a day. Up to three days it is considered the norm. On the 11-16th day after plasty, the puffiness and cyanosis of the ears will persist. All this time the pain can be replaced by shivers or itching.
When a repeated procedure of
is required If an
- result is not achieved until the end,
- has a decrease in effect,
- has an asymmetry of the ears,
- has developed purulent complications,
- has a colloidal scar.
Most often, they are treated repeatedly due to insufficient effect. Asymmetry may occur if the operation was performed on only one ear.
Possible complications of
All complications are divided into two groups: early and late. The first appear immediately, the latter usually have a deferred character. The early cases include hematoma and infection. The pressure exerted on the cartilage by a hematoma can lead to tissue necrosis. Infection becomes the cause of perichondritis, purulent chondritis.
The late complications include stitches and aesthetic problems. The first case is not so rare, but the patient may face a problem at any stage of the postoperative period. Treatment consists of removing the unsuccessful suture. The aesthetic consequences include an incorrect ratio of the ear and the scalp.
Changes in cartilaginous tissue after otoplasty
What do I need to know?
To conduct otoplasty is best at 5-8 years of age. At this time the cartilage is already formed, but the body is very quickly restored. In this case, adults can undergo such treatment at any stage.
Despite the presence of contraindications to the benefits of otoplasty, it is possible to correct significant defects in the ears. The operation can take place at one and at once two ears. However, there are no vital medical indications for this operation.
Reviews of patients about correction of ears in our video:
Contraindications
There are contraindications:
- hepatitis,
- oncology,
- period of menstruation,
- bad blood coagulation,
- inflammatory ear diseases.
The possibility of performing an operation in the presence of temporary limitations is determined by the surgeon.
Forecast
With the right choice of doctor and clinic, otoplasty will bring a positive effect. Comparing the results before and after will help not only to forget about the problem, but also to get rid of the complexes. After the end of the rehabilitation period, the ears look natural and do not attract attention.