This month we have focused on otoplasty in our practice. Many patients struggle with this as a social issue and this can be a major source of embarrassment for many. In most patients this is a relatively minor surgery to correct this and typically done in our offices.
In general, there are two issues that makes the ear protrude. The first is conchal excess. This is the cup part of the ear that is in excess and therefore protrudes too far from the head. This often needs to be reduced and gets pinned to the head using permanent sutures.
The second issue is the flaring of the helical rim and the loss of the antihelical fold. This is the upper part of the ear that flares too far out. This often also needs to be pinned and the cartilage that creates this problem needs to be shaped and bent back on itself.
All of this can be done with an incision located in the back of the ear. These incisions heal quite well and are hidden from view. We can do this in the office with only minor local anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. After the surgery, I typically recommend patients wear a head wrap for about 7 to 10 days to keep the ear pinned and covered at the same time.
Patients find this to be remarkably easy and very satisfying as a procedure. I have seen this procedure change a patient's perception of themselves and improve their self-esteem.
In general, there are two issues that makes the ear protrude. The first is conchal excess. This is the cup part of the ear that is in excess and therefore protrudes too far from the head. This often needs to be reduced and gets pinned to the head using permanent sutures.
The second issue is the flaring of the helical rim and the loss of the antihelical fold. This is the upper part of the ear that flares too far out. This often also needs to be pinned and the cartilage that creates this problem needs to be shaped and bent back on itself.
All of this can be done with an incision located in the back of the ear. These incisions heal quite well and are hidden from view. We can do this in the office with only minor local anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. After the surgery, I typically recommend patients wear a head wrap for about 7 to 10 days to keep the ear pinned and covered at the same time.
Patients find this to be remarkably easy and very satisfying as a procedure. I have seen this procedure change a patient's perception of themselves and improve their self-esteem.
