Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

ANAESTHESIA

Local anaesthesia is used on both adult patients and children over 10 years old. Mild sedation can be applied to alleviate any anxiety so that the patient can stay awake and relaxed during the operation.

Younger children (7 to 8 years old) are subjected to general anaesthesia as they are virtually unable to keep themselves still during the procedure.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Otoplasty techniques are as varied as the possible ear shape and size alterations they have to address.

Of those the most frequent ear deformities is protruding ears.

Its correction is done by means of an incision performed on the back of the ear next to the bone. The cartilage is slightly abraded to make it lose some of the elastic tension causing it to project the ear forward, until the correct shape is acheived. Any excess skin is resected and sometimes part of the shell cartilage (conchal cartilage) is also excised in order to get the ear closer to the head.

Suture is nearly invisible as it is done behind the ear.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.

DURATION OF THE PROCEDURE

It lasts about an hour to an hour and a half.

POSTOPERATIVE

The patient will wear a padded bandage for 48 to 72 hours. Upon its removal the ears will exhibit a slight inflammation that will reduce throughout the following days. Suture stitches, if non-absorbable, will be removed 10 to 12 days after the procedure. The patient will be able to wash her hair taking great care not to affect the wound once the bandage has been removed.

Usually there is a decrease in sensitivity of the ear’s skin that will be fully recovered after a short period of time.

During the first two to three weeks after the procedure the patient must use an elastic band to protect the ears and keep them correctly positioned 24 hours a day, removing it for very brief periods of time if there is a need to alleviate the pressure.

RECOVERY

Discomfort is mild to moderate and manageable with the use of analgesics, lasting 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

The risks are few, and the ones worth mentioning are:

• Haematomas: that is, the accumulation of blood, usually occurring between the skin and the cartilage. It must be removed via a very small incision.
• Infection: very rare, preventable with the use of antibiotics.
• Keloid scars: they are very rare and their occurrence depends on the patient’s genetic predisposition to suffer from them when performing an excessive skin resection. They are difficult to treat although they do improve with medical treatment.
• Recurrence of the deformity: it is the ear’s tendency to return to its original position. It is not too frequent, ranging from just 5% to 7% of all cases. It requires the performance of retouching surgery to reposition the ear, about six months after the procedure.

OTOPLASTY PICTURES

Ear surgery before-and-after photos:

PRICE OF AN OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE

Taking into account the fact that each patient case has its own particularities, and the high safety standards we uphold, Clínica Dual does offer the best prices. The first consultation with our doctor is free and implies no obligation on the part of the patient.

As important as knowing the cost of a Otoplasty procedure is, it is even more relevant to be aware of the following facts: that from the outset you are in a Health Centre officially registered with Valencia Health Council; that you are being attended by professionals with more than 25 years of experience in all fields of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine: plastic surgeons, anaesthetists and doctors specialized in aesthetic medicine who guarantee good practice at all times; and that for your peace of mind we perform all surgical procedures in the Nueve de Octubre Hospital, requesting the most advanced lab tests prior to surgery and always complying with the strictest health regulations.