Ear reshaping, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that involves changing the size, position, or shape of your ears to bring symmetry to the ears and face and achieve a more aesthetic appearance. It is used to treat ears that are too small, too big, protruding, or deformed as a result of an accident, a birth defect, or previous ear surgery. This procedure can be performed on anyone whose ears have grown to their full size (after the age of five).
Am I a suitable candidate for the procedure?
You may be ready for otoplasty if you are older than five and do not have any untreated chronic ear infections. Suitable candidates include nonsmokers and healthy people without medical problems that hinder healing.
What to expect before the procedure?
During your consultation, our plastic surgeon will go over your medical history and thoroughly examine your ears to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will most likely ask you to refrain from smoking and taking certain medications, such as aspirin before the procedure. The doctor will also recommend you arrange for someone to drive you home and accompany you the night of the treatment.
What to expect during the procedure?
Ear reshaping usually takes two hours to complete and is performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. The doctor will advise you on the ideal option for you during the consultation.
Depending on the type of correction required, several otoplasty techniques are used. The position of the incisions and the accompanying scars will depend on the specific approach the plastic surgeon uses. The doctor will make an incision behind your ears or within the folds of your ear’s interior. They will remove excess cartilage and skin after making the incisions. The cartilage will then be folded and secured with nonremovable stitches.
The stitches used to close the incisions will either naturally fall out or be removed by the doctor in the following weeks.
What to expect after the procedure?
You may experience discomfort and irritation after the procedure, but these side effects will go away and can be managed with painkillers. Following surgery, your ears will be bandaged for a couple of days to protect them and support their new position while your body heals. You will notice an immediate and ongoing change in the look of your ears as the bandages are removed.
The doctor will provide detailed instructions, such as how to take care of your ears, when to take medications, and when to schedule a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon. After the procedure, you should avoid sleeping on your side to relieve pressure on your ears and to prevent applying too much pressure to the wounds.
Schedule your appointment at Novomed today!
If you are interested in otoplasty, call toll-free 800 (NOVO) 6686 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics in RAK or Fujairah.
