Recommendations / 15/03/2020

What is outer ear surgery called?

Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery on the outer, visible parts of the ear. For example, ear pinning can surgically angle the ears closer to the head to make them less prominent.

Should I get an otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be performed once the ears have matured, which tends to occur around age six. Performing the surgery early on is beneficial not only because it spares children the teasing that is often associated with having large ears but also because the ear cartilage is more pliable at younger ages.

What is reconstructive surgery of the ear?

Otoplasty is reconstructive ear shaping surgery that addresses tissue loss of the outer ears due to trauma or surgery, or malformations present at birth. Otoplasty can also modify the size, shape and proportions of the outer ear, rebuild the structure entirely or create a prosthetic ear.

Can you fix ear cartilage?

Ear cartilage reshaping surgery (otoplasty) is often an elective procedure. However, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may recommend this type of corrective surgery if ears are too large (macrotia), too pointy, protruding, or deformed in a way that’s not affecting hearing.

Can I pin my ears back without surgery?

Non-surgical ear pinning is an ear pinning procedure that does not require incisions. Instead of removing skin and cartilage to correct protruding ears, the cosmetic surgery will place permanent sutures in the ears and force the cartilage to adopt a new position.

Can you sleep on your side after otoplasty?

You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for at least the first week after surgery. Try not to sleep on the side of your face but rather sleep with the back of your head on the pillow for about two weeks. Some patients prefer an airline type pillow for comfort.

Can I wear a mask after otoplasty?

Apply covered ice bags or Swiss eye masks (keep them cold or in ice) to the exposed areas of your ears for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling post-operatively. Do not remove head dressing at this time.

Can you add cartilage to your ear?

Otoplasty is sometimes referred to as cosmetic ear surgery. It’s performed on the visible portion of the outer ear, called the auricle. The auricle comprises folds of cartilage that are covered in skin. It starts to develop before birth and continues developing in the years after you’re born.

What kind of surgery is done on ear cartilage?

Most of the time, surgery carried out on the external part of the ear is cosmetic. These operations are mainly aimed at correcting protruding ears. One such operation is known as Pinnaplasty or Octoplasty, which involves remodeling the ear cartilage to create the missing folds in the ear and bring it closer to the patients head.

What to do if you have cartilage pain in your ear?

Another procedure is known as Ear splinting, this is mostly carried out on babies under the age of 6 months and involves resetting the soft ear cartilage and putting in place a splint to maintain the ear’s new position. Ear cartilage pain is likely to be experienced in the aftermath of these procedures.

Can you use ear cartilage for a rhinoplasty?

Despite these advantages, ear cartilage is not always the best option for revision rhinoplasty. Ear cartilage can be used for minor revisions but is more flimsy and naturally curved. Therefore, ear cartilage is not ideal for revisions that require major shape changes such as straightening a crooked nose following a previous rhinoplasty.

Where can I get ear cartilage for revision?

When a revision rhinoplasty is needed with additional grafts, the cartilage has to be harvested from somewhere else. This can be from your ear, your rib, or purchased as a cadaver rib.

What are the techniques to remove cartilage from me ear?

Auricular cartilage grafting is taking cartilage from the ear to reconstruct the nose. Typically grafts are taken from the concha cymba and cavum of the ear (MARKED IN RED) to remove cartilage without changing the overall shape of the ear. The skin of the ear is intact. What are the techniques to remove cartilage from me ear?

When a revision rhinoplasty is needed with additional grafts, the cartilage has to be harvested from somewhere else. This can be from your ear, your rib, or purchased as a cadaver rib.

What are the risks of ear cartilage surgery?

There is some discomfort, swelling and bruising after surgery but that resolves quickly. If not done correctly, the shape of the ear can change. Another risk is a hematoma but this is avoidable with the right technique. Infection is possible but uncommon. Ear cartilage is a great choice for reconstructing the lower lateral cartilage.