Type of Surgery
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Last updated: 11/24/2009
Some risks associated with otoplasties are common to all operations performed under general anesthesia. They include bleeding or infection of the incision; numbness or loss of feeling in the area around the incision; and a reaction to the anesthesia.
Specific...
risks associated with otoplasties include the following:
- Formation of abnormal scar tissue. This complication can usually be corrected later; plastic surgeons advise waiting at least six months for revision surgery.
- Hematoma, which is a collection of blood within a body organ or tissue caused by leakage from broken blood vessels. In the case of the ear, a hematoma can damage the results of plastic surgery because it creates tension and pressure that distort the final shape of the ear. Careful drying of the ear at the end of the procedure and application of a pressure bandage can reduce the risk of a hematoma. In the event that one develops, it is treated by reopening the incision and draining the collected blood.
- Distortion of the shape of the ear caused by overcorrection of deformed features.
- Reappearance of ear protrusion (in setback otoplasty). This complication is most likely to occur in the first six months after surgery.
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People hear sound waves when the ear and associated structures convert sound energy into nerve impulses. An overview of the way in which the ear "hears" is discussed along with discussion of the two main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
During a setback otoplasty, an incision is made in the back of the ear, exposing cartilage (A). Permanent sutures in the cartilage pull the ear back closer to the skull (B). The incision is closed (C), and dressings are applied (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of a person's external ears. Otoplasty can take many forms, such as bringing the ears closer to the head (often called ear pinning), reducing the size of very big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. Other reconstructive procedures deal with the deformed, or abscent-microtic ears. Otoplasty surgery can involve a combination of moving, reshaping, adding, or removing structural ear elements. This procedure is usually performed by either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, or ENT surgeon.
The pinna, or external ear, is made of a thin structural cartilage covered over with thin skin. Each of the various folds and structures of the pinna is named. Ear deformity results from distorted, damaged, or missing ear elements. Many otoplasties are performed not because of actual deformity, but because the individual is displeased with the shape of their ears.
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