Otoplasty is ... Ears after otoplasty: photos, reviews

There are often situations when the human body has some disadvantages. Some can be tolerated, while others can be easily corrected with the help of plastic surgery. One such defect is a change in the shape of the auricle. Otoplasty is a way to get rid of both lop-earedness and deformity of the lobe (both congenital and acquired due to trauma).

Human ear anatomy

The outer ear consists mainly of cartilage. The fabric is tightly fastened at the front, behind - more friable. As a rule, the ear is located at a certain angle - 20-30 °. Isolate such anatomical units in the structure of the ear: curl, antiviral, scaphoid fossa, upper and lower leg. Cartilage tissue is attached to the skull with the help of ligaments. The ear also has muscles (external and internal). As a rule, they do not function.

An exception are some people who can move their ears. Blood supply of the hearing organs comes from the temporal, ear artery, the lymph flow occurs with the help of the parotid and cervical lymph nodes. There are abnormalities in the auricle, such as changes in size (too small or large ears), deformation of the cartilage, changing the angle of its location, etc. After otoplasty, the ears have a more aesthetic appearance, in some cases it is possible to completely repair the damaged or missing cartilage.

Types of otoplasty

Depending on the pursued purpose, aesthetic and reconstructive plastic of the ears are distinguished . The first is aimed at eliminating aesthetic defects. Reconstructive otoplasty is an operation whose purpose is to restore the auricle. It can take place in several stages, during which the doctor creates an ear canal, installs directly the ear. Then follows the period of survival. It lasts about six months. At the final stages, the specialist models the form of the organ of hearing, the lobe, the tragus. Also, several types of plastics of the ears are distinguished depending on the method of carrying out.

The oldest and most widely used method is the scalpel operation. However, it has a number of significant drawbacks: surgical intervention lasts more than 2 hours, the rehabilitation period is also considerable. In addition, often in place of the incision are scars. A more modern method is laser otoplasty. This operation, during which the cuts are made by a laser beam. Its advantages are obvious: a short recovery period, no scars.

However, the innovative method of plastic surgery is radio wave plastic. This is not a traumatic method, blood is practically absent due to the use of a radio wave as a tool for cutting. In addition, due to its bactericidal properties, the rehabilitation period does not exceed three weeks.

Indications and contraindications for the operation

The main indications for otoplasty are all kinds of defects in the outer ear. In particular, it is a bumpy ears, asymmetrical auricles, absence of relief on them, large lobe. Otoplasty (photo below) completely solves such cosmetic nuances. However, like every surgical intervention, the operation has its contraindications. It is not performed if there is a disruption of blood coagulation, malignant processes in the body. Also, otoplasty is contraindicated during the period of somatic diseases. AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis (B, C) do not allow for surgical intervention.

Preoperative examination and analysis

First of all, the plastic surgeon carefully examines both ears. It determines the size and the relationship between its main components: the curl, the anti-wrench, the lobe and the shell itself. It is necessary to carefully measure all the main parameters and distances, to make pre-operative photographs. It is worth noting that often the specialist recommends an operation on both hearing organs (even if there are defects on one of them). This allows more correctly restore and maintain the symmetry of the ears.

Then the patient gives the necessary tests (blood, urine). It is necessary to warn the expert in advance about the presence of allergies, taking certain medications. An electrocardiogram is mandatory. This is necessary to assess the performance of the cardiac system. It is recommended to refrain from smoking at least a few weeks before the proposed operation. Nicotine makes it difficult to heal wounds and cuts.

How is surgery performed?

This operation begins with cutting the ear from behind (in the place of a natural fold). Then the necessary amount of cartilage, skin is removed. In some cases, the cartilaginous tissue is cut off, a new shape of the auricle is modeled. If necessary, the cartilage moves to a different position, closer to the skull. Next, fixing the seams. They, as a rule, are non-removable, permanent. Correction of the lobule is performed using small incisions, which are then sewn together. The duration of the operation depends on the chosen technique and the degree of complexity of the correction. At the end of the surgical intervention, cotton wool (impregnated with mineral oil) is applied to the furrows of the body. Ears are covered with gauze napkins, a dressing is put on top.

Postoperative period

After otoplasty, the taking of pain medication is recommended. You may also need a course of antibiotics to exclude various inflammatory processes due to infection. If the operation was performed by a child, it is worth limiting his physical activity to several weeks. There may be certain side effects after otoplasty. The patients' comments indicate that in the first days there is weakness, nausea, flow, bruising. Complaints about headaches are also often received. There may be numbness in the ears. But, as a rule, the condition improves in a few weeks. To reduce swelling, you can use an extra pillow so that the head is constantly raised. It is also mandatory to wear a special bandage (up to two weeks after the operation).

Possible risks of operation

Although otoplasty is a relatively well tolerated operation, some complications may occur. Blood and fluid can accumulate under the skin, which requires a new surgical intervention. Also during the operation, there may be a bleeding, there is a possibility of entering the infection into the wound (after this there is scarring of the tissues). In some cases, there is numbness, which does not pass with time. Another negative consequence of the operation is a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin in the region of the ears. In addition, if the operation was performed on one sink, the patient may not like the results (because of asymmetry, which is often observed in the postoperative period).

Otoplasty. Feedback after surgery

This operation allows you to correct many visible cosmetic defects. Most women are grateful to plastic surgeons, since they are able to wear a variety of high hairstyles, and not just loose hair. This operation is also carried out for children from 5 years, this allows to prevent the development of complexes about their appearance and avoid ridicule on the part of their peers.

The right choice of clinic and specialist will make it possible to easily transfer surgical intervention. The risk of complications in otoplasty is quite low, patients can feel only mild ailment and some discomfort associated with the need to change napkins and wear a special bandage. However, almost all of them are united in their opinion: ears after otoplasty become beautiful, symmetrical and this effect is preserved for life.