Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the proper shape, size, position, and proportions of their ears throughout life. However, thanks to otoplasty surgery, achieving desirable, natural-looking ears that last a lifetime is now possible. Read on if you are considering correcting the appearance of your protruding ear and want to achieve a better ear shape that complements the rest of your facial features. The blog also examines key factors that influence otoplasty costs in India.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is an ear correction surgery that aims to correct the shape, size, position, and symmetry of the ears, resulting in an overall, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing face. Usually, it is opted for protruding ears, uneven/asymmetrical ears, and misshapen ears. It is very common among children and adolescents, but adults can also enjoy its perks. It is done by a plastic or microtia surgeon with expertise and experience in the surgical care of the ears.

Different Types of Otoplasty

For three different ear concerns, there are three types of corrective surgeries:

1. Ear pinning - This otoplasty type focuses on correcting the ears near the head if they are sticking too far out.

2. Ear Reduction - This type of otoplasty is reserved for individuals with excessively large ears. It involves the resizing of the ear to fit the facial proportions.

3. Ear Reconstruction - This type of otoplasty is used for congenital, malformed,, or deformed ears, or for irregular ears resulting from an injury or surgery. It involves reshaping or reconstructing damaged or defective ear parts and restoring the whole ear to a more natural form.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

Before undergoing otoplasty, a meeting with the surgeon should be scheduled. During the initial consultation, the patient's ears will be thoroughly examined, the surgical goals will be discussed, and finally, the best surgical plan will be created.

The entire surgery will take 1-2 hours to complete, depending on its complexity. Here’s what to expect on the day of otoplasty surgery:

1. Anaesthesia Use- A local anaesthesia or general sedation, whichever is suitable, is provided by an anaesthesiologist 30-45 minutes before the making of incisions. 

2. Creation of Incisions- The surgeon makes tiny, well-hidden incisions within natural creases of the ear or behind the ear.

3. Modification of Ear Cartilages- Through the incision, the surgeon reshapes, folds, or bends/repositions the ear cartilages, thereby addressing the specific ear concern.

4. Closing of Incisions- With fine stitches, the surgeon closes all incisions and secures the operated ear. A sterile, protective bandage or head wrap is used to cover and protect the new ear.

Otoplasty Preparation

To have a seamless otoplasty surgery experience and achieve optimal outcomes quickly, it is advised to:

• Go through all pre-operative health check-ups.

• Avoid smoking and blood-thinning intake for a minimum of 2-3 weeks before the surgery.

• Prepare for a recovery space at home and arrange for a caretaker and driver.

• Switch to a healthy routine.

• Come with thoroughly clean hair and ears. Avoid wearing cosmetics or earrings on the day of the surgery.

Otoplasty Results, Risks, Recovery, and Aftercare

Immediately after otoplasty surgery, it is normal to experience slight, temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain can be managed with prescription pain-relieving medication. It’s rare to expect infection, visible scarring, asymmetry, or temporary numbness.

During the first two weeks of recovery, a lightweight, protective headband must be worn, especially while sleeping. Touching, rubbing, scratching, or putting weight on the ears is strictly unadvised. Most likely, byt the end oftwo2 weeks, the patient can return to light activities, school,, or work.

The swelling in the ear gradually subsides over 1-3 months, and the desired ear appearance becomes noticeable. Until the surgeon clears it, strenuous activities, exposure to chemicals, and exposure to heat/cold must be avoided.

Key Benefits of Otoplasty Surgery

• Better facial harmony

• Improved self-esteem and confidence

• Permanent, natural outcomes

• Minimal scarring

• It can be used to address a variety of ear structure problems for both children (aged 7 years and above) and adults.

Suitable Candidates for Otoplasty Surgery

Otoplasty surgery is recommended for healthy individuals with mature ear cartilage who have protruding, prominent, or uneven ears, extremely large or asymmetrical ears, or ear deformities caused by birth defects, injury, or previous surgery.  

Get Desired Ear Appearance

At The Microtia Trust, Dr. Parag Telang can help provide a precisely realistic-looking, balanced ear and face appearance with a suitable type of otoplasty. Request a consultation with Dr. Parag Telang now to get more insights for otoplasty surgery and its pricing. The cost of this surgery also starts from INR 30,000, but this cost can vary based on the case and the grade of ear correction required. Dr. Parag Telang can help you with detailed costs and the correct technique. As the leading surgeon for otoplasty and  Microtia in India, he has helped many people suffering from cosmetic ear concerns. Visit him at The Microtia Trust for details.