Cosmetic ear surgery: otoplasty techniques

Otoplasty it is a plastic surgery operation of the ears aimed at correcting the blemishes of the ears
earphones in order to make the face more proportionate.
“Protruding”, dysmorphic, too prominent or asymmetrical ears affect harmony
of the face and thanks to otoplasty it is possible to modify its shape, hairline or size.

It is an operation advisable in pediatric age - it can be performed as early as 5-6 years old - for obvious problems
advantages on self-esteem that corrective surgery would bring at a young age, but still feasible
even in adulthood.
Ear surgery is an operation without any impact on hearing, capable of correcting hearing loss
quickly a defect that often creates discomfort and embarrassment in patients.

The most common blemish is given by "protruding" ears, a congenital malformation that depends
from the excessive development of the auricular concha and which, at times, can affect only one side. Based on
If necessary, it is therefore possible to operate on just one ear or use different surgical techniques on it
both.

Only through a thorough examination will the plastic surgeon be able to establish the starting situation and evaluate
the possible variations, often minimal, of the corrective intervention based on the anatomical characteristics of the
patient, in light of the shape of the auricle and the general condition of the face.
The surgeon will also evaluate the most suitable technique to obtain the best result.

Otoplasty it is a relatively simple operation, with few pre-operative precautions, which can
occur in two ways: through the Dieffenbach technique or through the direct approach.
The Dieffenbach technique consists of stitching the cartilage of the auricular concha to the membrane above
the bone of the mastoid region in order to close the auriculomastoid dihedral angle. The engraving takes place
in the retroauricular sulcus, behind the ear therefore, to proceed with the detachment of the skin from the
underlying tissue, cutting the excess cartilage and suturing it with the periosteum of the
temporal region. It is an easy and fairly quick technique to perform, but with a frequent risk
of relapses.

The direct approach, however, takes place directly on the cartilaginous skeleton of the auricle.
The incision in this case is in correspondence with one of the grooves of the pavilion, to then proceed with the
maneuver of forgetting the elastic fibers, through micro incisions that break the
cartilage, and with the remodeling of the skeleton of the pinna. Excess parts are cut off
and the shape of the ear reconstructed using non-absorbable sutures. This technique has a more execution
complex but guarantees a more lasting result over time.

The intervention of otoplasty it takes place under local anesthesia with sedation and lasts approximately one hour.
Thanks to the effect of sedation, the patient does not feel pain either during the operation or
in the immediate post-operative period.

Discharge usually occurs the same day, a few hours after surgery. Normal daily activities
they can be resumed after three days while for sporting activity it is advisable to wait around 30
days after ear surgery.
In case of otoplasty with a direct approach, it is advisable to pay attention not to touch or hit the auricle for about two months, so that the elastic fibers can consolidate correctly and the cartilage maintain its new shape.

The scars in case of otoplasty with the Dieffenbach technique they follow the retroauricular sulcus while
with a direct approach they are in the grooves of the auricle. In the initial phase they may occur
hyper pigmented and showy but over time they tend to disappear.

The success of the operation depends on several factors, such as the patient's healing and
from the observance of post-operative precautions, but the result of otoplasty is visible right from the start
days post-op and is destined to remain over time.

For more information on theotoplasty in Rome and about the costs of otoplasty contact me on
Whatsapp for a consultation in one of my studios also present in Milan, Caserta or Den Haag (NL).