Otoplasty
Auricle has a function of collecting the voice to transmit it into inner ear and also it has an aesthetic function. In the event that the angle between auricle and head are more than that is necessary, ears offend the eye. This appearance is called “Flap-eared” or “Prominent ear. Surgery is the main choice in the treatment of this deformity. The most suitable time for the operation is between 4-6 ages when ear growth is completed by 90% and cartilage of the ear has elasticity which can be shaped easily. Another reason for this timing is that the children have not begun the school yet and their friends cannot make fun of their ears. Even though optimal age range is 4-6-year-old, prominent ear deformity can be corrected in any age.
Otoplasty takes approximately 1,5 hour under general anesthesia for children, and local anesthesia and sedation for adults (with intervention to both ears). In asymmetric cases with a single ear deformity, the duration is approximately 45 minutes. In the operation, the ear cartilage is separated from the skin by entering through a 3 cm long incision made behind the ear. Front of the ear cartilage is weakened by entering through the 5 mm incision made on the auricle. After the cartilage is prepared with these two interventions, 2-3 sutures are carried out to obtain optimal angle between auricle and head. If necessary, the earlobe is corrected by hanging it on the cartilage. At the end of the operation, a dressing is made to stay on the ear for 3-4 days and the patient is taken to bed. Patients who undergo operation under general anesthesia are discharged next day, where those having local anesthesia is discharged at the evening.
On the 3rd or 4th postoperative day, the ear dressing is opened and the suture lines are checked. During 2-week period after this control examination, auricle is fixed to the head with tennis headband. In this period it is possible to have shower by removing tennis headband. It is very important to comply with these recommendations to prevent recurrence of ear deformity, and they should be applied frequently.
When otoplasty is applied to the right patient with right technique, successful results are obtained with minimal pain.