What problems does otoplasty solve?
Underdevelopment and even the complete absence of a shell is congenital and is often accompanied by abnormal development of the ear canal of the external ear. This pathology is called microtia. Its elimination is performed together with a doctor – otolaryngologist and a plastic surgeon. Also, the reconstruction is carried out to eliminate cosmetic defects.
Depending on the task, otoplasty is divided into two types:
- aesthetic, solving cosmetic problems;
- reconstructive, eliminating congenital and acquired defects, accompanied by hearing impairment.
Indications and contraindications
An indication for aesthetic otoplasty is the patient’s dissatisfaction with his appearance, which delivers obvious psychological discomfort. Plastic surgery is performed in the following cases:
- lop-earedness, at which the angle between the auricle and the head exceeds 30 °;
- asymmetrically located ears;
- absence or underdevelopment of the shell;
- traumatic injury.
The operation is not carried out if there is:
- acute illness or exacerbation of chronic;
- skin rash around the ears;
- thyrotoxicosis, oncology, diabetes mellitus, HIV infection.
Also contraindicated with reduced blood clotting, menstruation period and pregnancy.
The process of reconstruction of the auricle
Before the operation, the patient gives blood for tests and undergoes additional examinations at the discretion of the doctor. Depending on the patient’s age and the complexity of the operation, general or local anesthesia is used. Anesthesia is selected individually, taking into account the allergy in the patient’s history.
The technology of the operation depends on its purpose. Cosmetic plastic is carried out in one stage. After anesthesia, a soft tissue incision is made on the back of the ear. Excess cartilage tissue is then removed. Next, the remaining cartilage is given the desired shape, and it is fixed with sutures. The wound is sutured and a pressure bandage is applied. The operation takes about two hours.
Reconstructive surgery may take significantly longer. Usually, it is carried out in four stages:
- Created and transplanted skeleton auricle. The patient’s own cartilage tissue or donor tissue, as well as modern synthetic materials are used.
- Formed earlobe.
- Corrected location of the auricle.
- The anatomically correct shape is given with the re-creation of all elements.
Breaks between operations can take from 3 to 6 months.
Results, rehabilitation, and aftercare
The result of a cosmetic defect correction is visible immediately after surgery. The first days after surgery may have pain and swelling in the ear. For a week a certain bandage with a special healing ointment should be worn at all times. Then, during a month, the bandage is worn only at the time of sleep. By the end of the first week, the doctor removes the external sutures, the internal ones dissolve themselves.
According to patient reviews, the operation is easily tolerated, as is the recovery period. Certain inconveniences are caused by the impossibility of active recreation, visiting the bath, sauna and sports activities.
After the end of rehabilitation, scars become completely inconspicuous, and finally, the tissues become normal after about three months.
Where can I do surgery?
The choice of a clinic for otoplasty should be based not only on the price level but also on the experience of plastic surgeons. The clinic of laser cosmetology and plastic surgery Platinum Laser in Kyiv meets the requirements of the most demanding client. The reputation is based on years of experience and feedback from grateful patients, as well as on the continuing professional development of surgeons and supporting staff. An additional “bonus” for customers is a balanced ratio of the price of services and their quality.
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