Ear Plastic Surgery
Ear Plastic Surgery
Many people might feel embarrassed or lack confidence because their ears are large. It often leads people to try hiding them with hairstyles or hats. However, due to medical advances, there are surgical procedures available to enhance the appearance of the ears. In this article, we'll explore ear surgery—what it is, how it's done, when it's necessary, and what results to expect.
What is ear plastic surgery?
Ear plastic surgery involves enhancing the appearance of the ears by reshaping the cartilage to restore its natural position beside the head. This procedure finishes within a few hours, and patients can return home on the same day. Usually, ears that protrude are due to genetic factors. It is commonly referred to as "bat ears," which can be a source of discomfort for children and adults alike, especially during childhood. Such issues can lead to psychological challenges.
Why consider ear plastic surgery?
- Ear surgery aims to alter the shape of the ears, addressing concerns such as ear size, shape, or protrusion that might be bothering individuals.
- It can also address ear protrusion by removing excess skin or modifying the ear's cartilage.
- Additionally, it can correct ear defects resulting from accidents or congenital conditions.
When is ear surgery recommended?
When is ear surgery recommended?
- Shortly after birth: If the doctor identifies the issue after birth, he can take preventive measures such as using appropriate splints.
- After a few months: As the cartilage becomes relatively firmer after a few months, splints might not be effective beyond the sixth month. Surgery becomes the sole solution to correct the ear.
- For adults: The individual should be in good health and free from any conditions that could hinder the procedure, including not being a smoker.
Ideal age for the procedure:
Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a specialist in plastic surgery, body sculpting, and natural hair transplantation, suggests waiting until the age of five to correct protruding ears.
Preparations for ear surgery:
- You should complete some tests recommended by the doctor.
- Avoid smoking before the procedure.
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications.
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications.
How is ear surgery performed?
- Anesthesia: Adults can use local anesthesia, while children usually require general anesthesia.
- The Surgical Process: Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy performs a surgical incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped by trimming, folding, suturing, or even removing a portion if size is the issue. The procedure is performed in a way to ensure minimal scarring. If the earlobe is large, the plastic surgeon can reduce it during the same surgery.
Finally, the surgical incision is closed with cosmetic sutures to secure the ear in its new position and promote stability. Ear surgery typically takes between one and two hours, but this can vary based on the specific procedures needed for each patient. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy chooses the approach that suits your case best to achieve the desired results.
Aftercare Guidelines:
Patients can leave the hospital and return home on the same day of the surgery, though staying overnight is recommended if you do the procedure under general anesthesia. If your occupation doesn't involve strenuous physical activity, you can resume it shortly. You might feel some discomfort immediately after the surgery, but prescribed pain relievers can help alleviate it. Patients might also experience numbness in their ears for a few weeks post-surgery. The dressing around the head is maintained for around 10 days, and you can remove it afterward.
Recovery period after ear plastic surgery:
At first, you might feel uncomfortable. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy will prescribe you some pain relievers to overcome this sensation. You might also experience itching in your ear due to the dressings and tight bands around it. However, this feeling can be managed with some antiallergic medications. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy emphasizes the importance of keeping the dressings in place and not removing them for any reason until the doctor changes them. He also stresses the need to follow some post-surgical instructions to minimize the likelihood of side effects during the recovery period. These instructions include:
- Avoid exposing your ears to water and ensure they stay dry at all times to protect the wound.
- Avoid putting pressure on or sleeping on the ears.
- Avoid engaging in any strenuous physical activities until removing the surgical stitches.
- It's essential to continue wearing the headband while sleeping for approximately a month.
- Don't wash your hair until the dressing and stitches are removed, while always ensuring the area behind the ear stays clean.
- Avoid wearing earrings in the ear for at least two weeks after the surgery.
- Prevent any friction on the ear until the recovery period is over.
Are there any risks after ear plastic surgery?
Ear plastic surgery is a procedure that has assisted many individuals in enhancing their external appearance and boosting their self-confidence. However, there might be some minor complications that can be overcomed, such as:
- Some scars and swelling may occur, but they will fade as the wound heals.
- The patient might experience some pain and discomfort, which will quickly subside with pain relievers, as mentioned before.
- Numbness, a common side effect, will disappear after a few weeks.
- Infections are rare but can happen if the doctor's instructions are not followed or if the ear is exposed to water without proper wound care. In cases of infection, immediate consultation with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy is needed to prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
Results of ear plastic surgery:
The results of ear plastic surgery become apparent immediately. For cases of prominent ears, the results start to show after removing the bandages and compressive wraps that aid in shaping and stabilizing the ear. Usually, the scars resulting from surgical sutures are hidden behind the ear and are hard to notice. However, some results might take some time to fully appear, as they vary from case to case and depend on the procedures performed.
If you're struggling with ears that stick out or are larger than desired and want to learn more about ear plastic surgery, please reach out to us. You can now schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a specialist in plastic surgery and natural hair transplantation. He can guide you in selecting the best technique for your case and helping you improve the shape of your ears without any complications.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.
