Otoplasty surgery in Alicante
The position and size of the ears are key to the composition of the profile of our face. Otoplasty is a cosmetic operation that corrects imperfections, deformities or injuries that could have a negative impact on a person's image.
When the ears are excessively separated from the head or adopt unsightly shapes, many people feel that they have a defect that negatively affects their lives. However, correction is possible with this type of cosmetic surgery.
Before the operation, the facial features of each patient are studied and the most balanced arrangement of the ears, head and the rest of the face is determined.
Problems that otoplasty solves
"Protruding ears" or "jug ears".
One of the most common problems is "protruding ears" or "jug ears". This is a type of ear that protrudes from the side of the head by more than 2 centimetres, causing a noticeable disproportionate effect. In many cases, in addition, the outer edge or helix of the ear is not sufficiently developed, creating a deep shell-shaped fold. This deformity is permanently corrected with cosmetic surgery through otoplasty.
Reduction of ear size
A "normal" ear size is between 5.5 cm and 6.6 cm. When they exceed this length they can be considered large for the size of the head and stand out in an uncomfortable and unsightly way. This type of prominent ears, also known as macrotia, can cause complexes in children and adolescents, which is why this operation is very common at a relatively young age. On the other hand, the operation consists of bringing the ear close enough to the head so that it finds a symmetrical balance.
Earlobe correction
Over time, the earlobe loses smoothness, firmness and volume, especially in women who have worn heavy earrings for many years. The operation takes no more than 30 minutes, is performed under local anaesthesia, and completely reconstructs the area, restoring its fleshy, rounded and harmonious appearance. This operation corrects deformities in the earlobe, restoring its youthful appearance and is performed on both ears to respect proportion.
Problems of asymmetry
When the ears are not aligned symmetrically on the head or with the other elements of the face, standing out in an unsightly way. The operation consists of levelling one or both ears to balance them proportionately with the facial features.
Reconstruction
Due to congenital deformities (mocrotia) or those caused by trauma, tumours, burns, accidents, etc. The operation reconstructs or repairs the damaged ear with the patient's own tissue or through implants or prostheses and, depending on the case, local or general anaesthesia is used (although the former is more common).
Before and after otoplasty
Relevant facts about the operation
- Surgical time: 1 hour
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia and sedation
- Hospitalisation at the clinic in Alicante: Not required
- Recovery: 3 to 4 days
- Results: Immediate
Once the aesthetic intervention has been performed, the results are immediate. However, the patient will enjoy the final result a few weeks after the swelling in the ears has gone down.
Dr. Teresa Bernabeu is a specialist in the otoplasty operation. If you wish to make a consultation because you need more information related to the aesthetic operation of the ears, please contact us. We are in Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery operation that corrects or reconstructs the size or position of the ears. The reasons are basically aesthetic and based on the improvement of personal image in people of both sexes. This cosmetic operation can be performed on patients from the age of 5 years old.
How long does the operation take?
Approximately 2 to 3 hours. More complex cases may take a little longer.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Local anaesthesia and sedation are generally used. More complex cases may require the use of a general anaesthetic, especially in people who are nervous or apprehensive about surgery.
How long does it take to heal from otoplasty?
The wound takes approximately 2 weeks to heal. Generally this operation has no side effects other than slight discomfort in the area for a short period of time.
Is there any scarring after ear surgery?
For the first few weeks after the operation, the area of the operation should be kept dry and intermittently healed. The scar, which is somewhat visible at first, fades over time until it is completely non-existent.
What is the postoperative period and recovery from ear surgery like?
The postoperative period for an otoplasty lasts at least 6 weeks. After this time, and in the following 6 months, the swelling decreases by more than 80%. Complete recovery from surgery, however, is achieved after one year. Moreover, 2 to 3 weeks after the operation, the typical discomfort of an operation is no longer noticeable.
Can I suffer any hearing loss after otoplasty?
Otoplasty does not intervene in the ear canal, but in the pinna. Thus, hearing loss or hearing-related problems do not occur during the patient's postoperative recovery. It is possible, however, that the subject may notice an improvement due to the fact that the configuration was very deformed to begin with, so opening the pinna will significantly improve the quality of hearing.