Have you ever felt less confident because of the unusual size or proportion of your ears? Ever felt conscious because of the apparent asymmetry between them? Have you ever been teased with cruel nicknames such as Dumbo or Mickey Mouse? If so, assuming that you are healthy with no co-morbid conditions, then you may be a candidate of ear surgery.
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. The procedure can correct a defect in the ear structure even if it has been present since birth. In addition, otoplasty can also correct misshapen caused by injury or accidents in adulthood too. Specifically, ear surgery can treat overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia, protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees, and even adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery.
It is acceptable reason for adults to undergo the procedure for the firs time if they think that it will help boost their self-esteem. But what about children? Can they undergo otoplasty too? If the only defect you see in your child’s ears is its protruding or disfigured nature, you may still want to consider plastic surgery. This is because the condition can lead to self-consciousness and poor adaptation to school too. Child psychologists and pediatricians agree that it is often desirable in children to consider this surgery before they start Kindergarten or first grade. But at what age exactly can they undergo otoplasty? This procedure can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years.
Ear surgery, performed by plastic surgeons and/or otorhinolaryngologists, intends to create a natural shape, while also bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. In turn, there can be profound benefits to the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Say goodbye to your Dumbo and Mickey Mouse nicknames.
How does it go? Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. Some cases would involve trimming the cartilage and subsequently shaping it into a more desirable form. Pinning the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage is then done. Sounds painful? Don’t worry because the procedure is usually done with anesthetics.
However, in other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all. He or she may just opt to use stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will then apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs.
Have a quick look at the mirror now and check your ears’ alignment and shape. Are you happy with them? If not, then go ahead inquire more details from your plastic surgeon. I think that confidence and self-esteem are two good reasons enough to have otoplasty.
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