What is the minimum age for undergoing an otoplasty?
Otoplasty –also known as cosmetic ear surgery– refers to the aesthetic reshaping of ears to correct a deformity or improve appearance. Having protruding ears has no negative impact on the patient’s health or their auditory capacities, still the phenomenon is treated as an embarrassing and very unaesthetic deformity.
For this reason, otoplasty permits permanent remodeling of ears to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. Discover how otoplasty is performed as well as the minimum age for undergoing it in the following blog article:
Otoplasty: what is the minimum age?
Contrarily to other cosmetic procedures that necessitate reaching a major age prior to considering any kind of surgery (or also reaching full growth), otoplasty may be performed since an early age; even as early as 7 years old. Keeping the latter in mind, the surgery may be only considered provided that the ears have reached their full size — which is usually, but not always, after the age of seven — through adulthood. However, more and more parents now request otoplasty for their children; given that they are exposed to harsh comments at school, which culminate in insecurities of appearance. Otoplasty can, therefore, be an ideal solution to correct ear-related deformities or improve the appearance of the ears; as well as avoid potential sources of complexes and insecurities for children. During the preliminary consultation, the surgeon will be able to evaluate whether the patient is a good candidate for an otoplasty. The surgeon will take into consideration certain factors in his evaluation of good candidacy such as the age, aspect of the ears, and others.
How is an otoplasty performed?
Otoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia if the ear deformity is pretty important; however, local anaesthesia is at times considered depending on the patient’s age, general health status, and nature of the surgery. The duration of the surgery also depends and the type and extent of the deformity (or deformities) to correct. The surgeon starts by making an incision localized behind the ear. Given the position and thin performed incision, scarring will be discreet and hard to detect after the procedure. After making the incision, the surgeon will proceed to detaching the ears in order to have access to the cartilage. S/he will, thereafter, remodel the cartilage using different techniques (these vary according to need); therefore giving the ears an aesthetic appearance. Once the procedure is done, the surgeon folds the cartilage into the proper position, secures it with internal stitches, and places a bandage to hold the ears in place.
What are the post-operative effects of an otoplasty?
Two days after otoplasty, bandages will be removed and the ears will be maintained with a headband. It is recommended that the patient wear the headband day and night for a period of two weeks or so. The procedure is painless; however, ears will likely be swollen and red. In this case, it is recommended to take antalgics prescribed by your doctor to alleviate any pain. The patient may notice the presence of bruising and swelling around the ear region; this is a natural post-surgical phenomenon that will dissipate in a few weeks. Operated regions may also be very sensitive to the touch; however, keep in mind that everything will regain its normality in a few weeks after your procedure. Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that promises very satisfying results. It is however necessary to wait for a period of 4 to 8 weeks in order to appreciate the final results of the surgery; and a period of 1 year until all scars have completely faded. It is important to note that scarring will be hardly noticeable; or even invisible, as it is hidden behind the ears. The patient may rejoice their aesthetically-looking ears; which accordingly give a very nice appearance to the overall face.
Some recommendations
After undergoing ear surgery, ensuring a smooth recovery journey becomes paramount, hinging upon a few crucial practices. Let's delve into these essential recommendations that serve as guiding lights towards optimal healing:
First and foremost, grant yourself the gift of ample rest and tender care. Your body, akin to a finely tuned instrument, requires this respite to orchestrate its healing symphony. Embrace stillness and shun vigorous activities, particularly during the initial weeks following the surgical endeavor. Next, heed the counsel of physical activity restrictions with utmost diligence. Regardless of your hunger for movement, honoring these prescribed limitations acts as a shield against potential complications, fostering a nurturing environment for recovery.
Shielding your ears from the capricious elements of nature emerges as another imperative. The blazing sun, though a beacon of warmth, poses a threat to tender post-surgical skin. Hence, don your protective armor against its rays. Likewise, fortify yourself against the gusts of wind, for they carry whispers of discomfort and inflammation. Let a sturdy hat or cozy earmuffs stand guard against their relentless onslaught. Moreover, in the icy embrace of winter, safeguard your ears from the chill's frosty fingertips. Equip yourself with suitable headgear to stave off the risk of frostbite, ensuring warmth and well-being. In the realm of hygiene, meticulousness reigns supreme. Treat the surgical site with the reverence it deserves, adhering scrupulously to your doctor's cleansing directives. With a gentle touch and mild soap, tend to the area, nurturing it back to its pristine state. And as a precautionary measure, bid adieu to your beloved earrings temporarily, recognizing their potential to sow the seeds of infection amidst the delicate healing process.
In this age of connectivity, even our trusty mobile companions demand a semblance of etiquette. Acknowledge their propensity to harbor germs, particularly on their screens and speakers. Thus, exercise caution when pressing them against your ear, lest you invite unwanted guests into your convalescence. Instead, opt for the mellifluous tunes of speaker mode or the intimacy of headphones, maintaining a safe distance between your ear and the device.
