Otoplasty- ears correction

Often the patients are children. It is important to cooperate with the child and inform him about the slight pain associated with the operation. Children begin to notice protruding ears and perceive them as a problem at the age of 5-6 years. This is the age when surgery is most appropriate. Of course, we operate on children only with the consent of their parents. Otoplasty is not limited by age, the surgery can be performed on both children and adult patients.

There are very few people with symmetrical external ears in the front view. Usually there is a difference between the left and the right outer ear. Even after surgery, it is unlikely that complete symmetry will be achieved, but that is not the goal. The surgery is successful if the difference between the two outer ears does not exceed 3 mm. Rarely, it happens that patients are dissatisfied with the result. In this case we have to repeat the whole procedure.

There is no serious contraindication. Only people with chronic diseases - such as diabetes, low blood clotting and people prone to keloid scars - need to be careful during the procedure.

Before surgery it is necessary to perform basic laboratory tests - blood count, bleeding time and coagulation. In case of surgery under general anesthesia, it is necessary to complete internal preoperative examination. If the surgery takes place under local anesthesia, the patient can eat and drink before the surgery or take medications regularly.
If the surgery takes place under general anesthesia, the patient must follow the instructions for general anesthesia.

The surgery does not require hospitalization, so the patient can leave the clinic the same day. The patient should have a light breakfast before the operation and must have washed his/her hair. He/she fills out the necessary forms (consent for surgery, personal questionnaire), followed by photo documentation before surgery, preparation of the ear area and application of local anesthesia.

During the operation we model the cartilage into the desired shape, and after the operation it is provided with a sterile cotton bandage, which is fixed with an elastic bandage. It is important to wear the elastic bandage for at least 2 weeks after the surgery, after which a hard headband is sufficient for up to 4 weeks (especially during the night). The pain after the surgery varies in intensity, but can be managed with painkillers and lasts up to 2 days. The patient comes for a check-up on the second day after the surgery (we check the wound and change the bandage) and then on the 7th and 14th day after the surgery. The patient is informed about home care.

It is important to wear an elastic bandage for at least 2 weeks. During the next month, a tight headband will suffice, especially at night. During the first dressing, the wound is inspected and treated aseptically. Postoperative pain is individual and manageable with analgesics. After 1 - 2 days they subside completely.