WHAT IS IT?
The otoplasty It is the surgical procedure to correct the deformity of the ear, popularly known as 'protruding ear' or 'loop ear'. Thanks to this technique, the size of the ear is reduced and placed in a position closer to the head. This procedure is performed especially in children from the age of 4, since it is advisable to perform the surgery as soon as possible to prevent a psychological disorder from developing at school age.
WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED?
Although there are different types of otoplasty techniques, generally a small incision is made in the back of the ear that leaves a very concealed scar when placed behind the ear. But there are also other techniques with very good results with incisions in the front of the ear. In any case, the incision will always be designed so that the resulting scar is as little visible as possible.
If the patients are children and especially if they are very young, otoplasty surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and when the patients are older with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours and hospital admission is generally not necessary.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE CARE LIKE?
Firstly, and as in any surgery, you should pay attention to the doctor's instructions on the medications that should be consumed to prevent the pain from increasing. It is important that you know that during the first days you will wear a bandage that will wrap the affected area. After two weeks, the stitches will be removed and you can begin to lead a normal life, always avoiding possible efforts that may pose any risk.
If we refer to the inflammation, at most it will last a couple of weeks and it is recommended to sleep on your back for the first few days to avoid putting pressure on the area that has been treated. Likewise, if you visit the pool or the sea, it is important that you do so with plugs to avoid infections.
If it has been a child who has undergone said intervention, special attention must be paid to his or her care.
