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OTOPLASTY
Ear Surgery
The purpose of the surgery called otoplasty is to correct
the ears´ aesthetic imperfections as when the ears stick
out too far or very prominent ears. This type of defect is
very usual and has strong psychological effects, particularly
in children. Considering this, the best age to go through
an otoplasty is between 5 and 7 years, when the ears are already
formed and have almost reached their final size.
PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION
The main recommendation for this period is suspension of medications
based on acetylsalicylic acid (i.e.: aspirin), for the 10
days that precede the surgery. It is recommended that the
doctor is told of any medication that is being taken or any
physical changes as a flu or infection. The ears and the hair
should be carefully washed on the eve of the surgery. In case
the patient has long hair, it should not be cut before the
surgery as it will help to hide the dressings on the first
days.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
The excess of skin is removed by an incision behind the ear
when the cartilage is molded to correct imperfect contours.
The ear is then sutured in a standard position. The otoplasty
is a technically difficult surgery, as it requires a detailed
work, but its great benefit is that it does not require great
displacement or invasion. The scars are practically invisible,
placed on the sulcus between the ears and the cranium. As
for the type of anesthesia, the use of general anesthesia
may be recommended but usually the use of local anesthesia
combined with a small dose of sedative is enough.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Usually there is no pain during the postoperative period of
otoplasty. If it happens, a regular pain killer will bring
relief. It is necessary to keep a facial dressing band put
over the ears from 5 to 7 days and during which time the patient
must not lie on the side. After the stitches are removed ,
the patient must wear a sleeping cap for at least one month.
The stitches are removed between the 10th and 12th day after
the surgery. The patient must not be exposed to the sun for
long periods of time during the first month. Although the
immediate result is satisfactory, the final result of otoplasty
is achieved around the sixth month
"The Regional Medicine Council doesn´t allow the exhibition of pre and postoperatory images".
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