Otoplasty for prominent or congenital ears
How is it done?
Cartilage is shaped using a combination of suture plication and cartilage abrasion or excision.
Scoring or weakening the cartilage: in order to make it more pliable for reshaping.
Excision of cartilage: In some cases, small amounts of cartilage may be removed to achieve the desired shape or reduce excess cartilage.
Suturing techniques: Permanent sutures are placed to fold or reposition the cartilage, often used to pin the ears back or correct prominent ears.
What is the recovery like?
First Week: Swelling and bruising are common, and the patient may experience some discomfort, typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief or prescribed medications. Some anesthesia is expected and resolves with time. The ears may look overcorrected, which is typical for the first few weeks.
Long-Term Recovery: The patient will need to wear a protective bandage (tennis band) for several days to weeks to prevent accidental pressure (while sleeping) or trauma to the ears.
The final results may not be visible until after 3 to 6 months, once the swelling subsides and the ears settle into their new position.
Overall, otoplasty is very well-tolerated with a relatively low complication rate. Hematoma, infection and recurrence remain, thankfully, very low.
