Otoplasty

In principle, otoplasty takes place on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia with sedation . However, in some cases, a general anaesthesia is preferred.

The choice of the technique will be made between you, your anesthesiologist and your surgeon.

A consultation with your anesthesiologist will take place a few days before your procedure.

Your surgeon will adapt his technique accordingly to the needed corrections.

For ear repositioning, the surgeon will make an incision in the crease behind the ear. The scar is very discreet, hidden in the retro-auricular groove. For a cartilage plasty, your surgeon will correct the abnormalities and shape the structures.

In the context of a reattachment of the ears, the principle is to improve or recreate the natural reliefs, in particular by creating a fold of the anthelix or by increasing it and often, by removing the too important cartilage of the concha.

Finally, your specialist repositions the pavilion , the ear is placed close to the skull, the detachment is rectified. Depending on the associated gestures, the intervention lasts between 1h30 and 2h30.

The consequences of an otoplasty are not very painful. A bandage is applied for two days, then the wearing of a protective headband is necessary for two weeks after the intervention, day and night.

The ears may appear swollen, with raised areas masked by edema (swelling). More or less important bruises are sometimes present and will disappear in the ten to twenty days following the intervention.

It will be necessary to avoid wearing glasses during the first ten days. Any sporting or physical activity with the risk of contact with the ears should be avoided during the first two months.

Exposure to extreme cold is not recommended for at least two months given the risk of frostbite due to the temporary reduction in ear sensitivity.

Finally, it will be necessary to avoid sleeping on the side for about five weeks, in order to reduce the risk of trauma to the ear.

The result of an otoplasty is immediate and takes its final appearance after two months. A surgical touch-up may be necessary if a stitch on the cartilage breaks. In young children, hypertrophic scars are possible.

The goal of this surgery is to bring an improvement and not to achieve perfection. If your wishes are realistic, the result should give you great satisfaction.