Otoplasty

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that aims to correct the imperfections of the ears, such as protruding ears, malformed ears or ears that are too large and disproportionate. The surgery consists in reshaping the cartilage that makes up the ears.

What is the outer ear?

In anatomy, the outer ear is the part of the ear visible to the naked eye, which is formed by the pinna and the external auditory canal (the latter ends at the eardrum). The auricle is an oval cartilaginous structure covered with skin. The cartilage of the ear, made up of an elastic and flexible tissue, presents characteristic folds which are used to channel the sound waves in the ear.

What are protruding ears?

Protruding ears are considered as hereditary anatomical characteristics, as it is more frequent to find them in the same family members. Protruding ears are considered only and exclusively a cosmetic defect, as they do not affect a person’s hearing.

Who is the ideal candidate for otoplasty?

In adults, otoplasty surgery is a surgical procedure required primarily by those who feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when their ears are protruding, disproportionate or malformed. In younger children, however, it is usually the parents who push for the procedure, as they feel a hidden discomfort in their children due to teasing from their classmates or peers. The minimum age to perform the surgery on children corresponds to the moment when the development of the ears and the auricular cartilage stops, i.e. around the age of 5 years. Ear otoplasty procedures at an earlier age may be unnecessary and, in some cases, may result in abnormal ear growth.

How much does otoplasty cost?

The cost of an otoplasty procedure  can vary depending on the specific difficulty of the intervention. The exercise is £1,800 and includes all expenses (plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room, hospitalization, nursing staff, dressings and post-operative check-ups). However, otoplasty rates  are still much more competitive than those in European and American countries. Opting for Tunisia for your otoplasty means saving money on your procedure while enjoying the highest standards of hygiene, quality and professionalism.

What is involved in the pre-surgical visit and preparation for otoplasty?

Visit with the plastic surgeon

During the visit with the plastic surgeon for otoplasty, the shape of the auricles and all the potential asymmetries between the two ears will be examined. You will receive information about the operation and the postoperative characteristics. Cosmetic ear otoplasty procedures do not have any particular side effects.The patient has to inform the plastic surgeon of all medications and dietary supplements that he/she is taking, all pathologies that he/she has had and possibly is currently undergoing, as well as any operations that he/she has undertaken in the past.

The days following the examination

In the days following the examination, the patient must undergo the prescribed pre-operative clinical examinations. These include blood tests and ECGs that must be appropriate for the surgical procedure. In the days leading up to the operation, it is advisable – if you smoke – to reduce the amount of cigarettes. Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can increase bleeding. It is therefore recommended to reduce their use after consulting your doctor. It is necessary that someone be present with you on the day of the operation and during the first night.

What are the procedure steps for cosmetic otoplasty?

Otoplasty surgery is the cosmetic surgery that allows to shape the ears. It is performed under local anesthesia associated with a more or less deep sedation. In some cases, modeling consists of removing a simple portion of skin and repositioning the cartilaginous membrane in order to reduce the angle given by the projection of the auricle in relation to the head. In most cases, lasers can be used to create curves and convexities that create the most natural shape possible for the auricle.The cartilage folds are fixed with internal otoplasty stitches and the procedure is concluded with the application of external sutures and bandages.

What is incisionless otoplasty?

Otoplasty alternatives : Otoplasty is the technical term for surgical reshaping of the ears, and non-incisional otoplasty is a non-surgical, minimally invasive alternative to traditional otoplasty.The goal of non-incisional otoplasty is to reduce protruding ears and correct misshapen, asymmetrical or protruding ears to improve facial symmetry and balance facial proportions. Protruding or misshapen, ears can be a real source of significant emotional distress for both adults and children. In non-surgical ear otoplasty , the ear cartilage is not cut during the procedure. As a result, patients do not have to worry about permanent scarring.Fortunately, with this simple, non-incisional, minimally invasive procedure, the ears can be reshaped at one time to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the ears.

What is the postoperative period?

Tiredness and numbness are common symptoms on the first day after the procedure.The elastic bandage will be useful to compress and protect the auricles in the first few days following the intervention.You will be required to take your prescribed medications and carefully follow the postoperative behavioral prescriptions.

How to reduce swelling after otoplasty?

A common side effect of any surgery is Swelling. In facial plastic surgery, such as otoplasty, patients often want the swelling to go down as soon as possible, as it is then more difficult to conceal. Patients often want to know how they can reduce swelling after otoplasty.

First

First of all, the swelling is not very noticeable immediately after the operation. Usually, swelling occurs gradually over two to three days. As it gets worse, it will subside over the next few weeks. It is usually no longer visible after five to seven days. To reduce swelling, it is usually recommended to sleep with the head elevated and avoid bending over or similar movements. This impedes blood flow to the head, which can worsen swelling after otoplasty.

Secondly

you should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin-based pain relievers, as they can worsen swelling. Although it is possible to take these medications in some cases, they should only be used under the supervision of a physician and in limited amounts.

Finally

you should limit your activities for the first few days to avoid swelling. If you do this too quickly, the swelling and bruising will worsen, especially in the first week after surgery. Your doctor will evaluate when you can resume all your activities.

What is the recovery process for otoplasty?

Otoplasty Recovery: A Swift Return to Normalcy

The recovery period after otoplasty surgery lasts between one and two weeks, normal activities can be resumed after an average of 3 days. However, it’s important to note that the exact recovery time can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the extent of the surgery and an individual’s overall health. Patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions diligently to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.

Flying after otoplasty

In many cases, flying after surgery is perfectly safe, but it is not recommended for everyone. This is recommended by your doctor on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your individual risk factors. It is always best to ask your doctor before booking a trip for a few weeks.

What are the results of otoplasty?

Otoplasty gives great aesthetic and psychological satisfaction

Otoplasty surgery gives great aesthetic and psychological satisfaction, freeing you from a defect that is often a source of discomfort and embarrassment for both sexes and also for children. Moreover, the procedure leaves no visible marks because the scars are hidden in the fold behind the ear.

Otoplasty: A Safe and Patient-Friendly Procedure, with Rare Exceptions

With rare exceptions that may necessitate a secondary intervention, otoplasty is a procedure renowned for its safety and patient-centric approach. These infrequent issues can be effectively resolved, ensuring that otoplasty remains a trusted and dependable choice for ear-related cosmetic improvements.

Are Post-Otoplasty Scars Truly insignificant?

The only incisions made in otoplasty surgery are at the back of the ear. Therefore, by their position, they are already classified as invisible. The scar is normally thin, linear and undetected.It can be said that post-otoplasty scars are aesthetically insignificant because they are hidden in the retroauricular fold, and they are thin and linear.

Contact and quote request for Otoplasty

Our team is always at your entire disposal to assist and guide you through all the procedures for an otoplasty. If you are interested in having your otoplasty carried out abroad and would like to organize your stay in Tunisia with a serious and experienced team, then you should trust the professionals at Tunisia Medical Travel. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to also to request a free, non-binding quote.