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Otoplasty is the cosmetic procedure for reshaping the pinna, or outer ear to look more desirable, which does not have an impact on the function of the ears. It may occasionally result in changes in how sound is perceived, but it is almost always very subtle that it doesn’t affect the hearing process.
The ears are normally around two centimetres from the side of the head. However, sometimes they can be more prominent than this giving them a bat ear like appearance. This can become bothersome for some patients
A person who has sustained damage to their ears or was born with a congenital anomaly are also candidates to undergo reconstructive surgery.
However, some people choose to undergo surgery to improve the appearance of the ears. This is known as otoplasty.
The surgery is often performed only after the ears have fully developed and patients are also more mature to be prepared to undergo the procedure. Commonly done only after the age of 5.
Some Of The Indications For Otoplasty Include:
- Cagot Ear – A congenital defect which is characterized by the absence of an earlobe.
- Cleft Earlobe – A defect characterized by an indentation or notch in the fleshy portion of the earlobe.It is usually corrected by the transplantation of an autologous tissue graft.
- Cryptotia – Is the condition where the upper portion of the ear is buried underneath the side of the head.
- Macrotia –it refers to an ear that is larger than expected in proportion to the face.
- Microtia – it is a congenital defect that is characterized by either the severe underdevelopment or the absence of the pinna (outer ear).
Based on the indications the specific otoplastic procedure techniques are done to correct the defect or deformity of the ear.
Types Of Ear Plastic Surgery In India
There are 3 main types of Ear Plastic surgery procedures in India-
A. Ear Reconstruction – the underdeveloped and absent pinna (microtia and anotia respectively) are addressed in this. The cartilage tissue grafts are used for the reconstruction. They are usually harvested from the other developed ear or the rib cage.
B. Ear Reduction – is done for patients with overdeveloped or prominent ears. Ear reduction involves reducing one or more of the components of oversized ears; efforts are taken to hide the incisions in, or near, the front folds of the pinna.
C. Ear Pinback – This is the commonest procedure among all ear plastic surgery procedures and is done to flatten the protruding ears (bat ears).
Bat Ear Correction - Plastic Surgery Procedure
Some people may feel that their ears are “too” prominent which can affect their self-esteem. It causes embarrassment and psychological distress in patients especially while they are growing up. In fact, research shows that having prominent ears can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and a lack of confidence. It also subjects children to bullying in schools.
For this reason, many people opt for surgery. Some parents and caregivers even seek surgery for their children before they start school.
A suitable time though to have an otoplasty is when a child is above 5–6 years old and their ears’ growth is complete.
A nonsurgical technique such as ear molding or splinting can be effective if the child starts receiving treatment in the first 2–3 weeks of life.
Otoplasty Procedure
- Ear pinback surgery done by the best otoplasty surgeon in India is the surgery of choice for bat ears and is usually performed under local anaesthesia for adults and general anaesthesia in children.
- The best otoplasty surgeon in India first marks the site of attachment. Following this an incision behind the ear exposing the cartilage.
- The cartilage is then separated from the skin, it is then reshaped and excess skin is removed.
- Finally, if required, the ear is repositioned and sutured more closely to the head, and the incision is closed with sutures.
- The procedure usually takes around 1–2 hours.
- The incision leaves a thin scar behind the ear, and it will fade over time.
Otoplasty Surgery Risks
The risks of otoplasty surgery are minimal, but include :
- Overcorrection, this places the ears too close to the head.
- Keloid formation – which is a thick scar that grows at the incision line.
- hematoma in the cartilage of the ear.
- Infections.
- Loose placement of the sutures can cause the ear to return to its original position.
- These complications can be eliminated by consulting with the best otoplasty surgeon in India.
Recovery
After The Surgery, The Patient Will Notice:
The Patient Is Advised To:
- wash their hair only 7 days after surgery
- swim only after 4–6 weeks
- no traveling restrictions
- child can return to school after 1–2 weeks
- Keep a headband to support the operated ear for 3 months
However, it is essential to review with the operating surgeon before returning to daily routine activities.
Otoplasty is usually safe and a successful cosmetic surgical procedure, with high satisfaction rates.
Cosmetic otoplasty is purely a cosmetic surgery and insurance will not cover the costs. However, some insurance will cover reconstructive surgeries for ears provided patient has sustained traumatic injuries.
It is important though to have realistic expectations with regards to surgery and what otoplasty surgery can achieve.
What Is The Otoplasty Cost In India?
Otoplasty cost in Mumbai as part of an ear plastic surgery cost in India is very affordable. Being a day care procedure and most of the times done with local anaesthesia and also when covered with insurance, otoplasty cost is negligible. Please contact 022-67337500 to know about the surgery in detail along with cost.