Who Is The Right Candidate For An Otoplasty
Ear deformities are not only frustrating, but they could also be psychologically traumatic, particularly for young kids who may become the focus of bullies. Luckily, ear plastic surgery, also referred to as an otoplasty can help address these concerns.
An otoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the ears’ size, shape, and position. However, because of the nature of the procedure, Norman J. Pastorek, MD, PC, FACS, emphasizes that it is not a one-size-fits-all. Here are signs that you may be the right candidate for an otoplasty.
1. Persons Who Are At Least 5 Years
By 5 years old, the auricle is nearly its adult size. At this point, somebody might be eligible for the procedure. You or your pediatrician might notice in the first year or two of your kid’s life that their ears are unusually large or small.
Nevertheless, till the auricle is done developing, this procedure will not be effective. Whereas you might want your kid to undergo a corrective treatment as soon as feasible, the soonest possible time is once your kid is about 5 years old.
2. Fairly Healthy individuals
As with any other plastic surgery, otoplasty bears. Therefore, to be a good candidate for this procedure, you should have healthy lungs and a healthy heart. This guarantees you can safely endure general anesthesia.
Based on your health history, your specialist might require a chest X-ray or echocardiogram to check your health. If you have a record of heart conditions, you might have to be placed under local anesthesia and intravenous or oral sedation.
3. Persons with Realistic Expectations About the Outcomes
To qualify for otoplasty, you must have reasonable expectations about the outcomes. During the initial consultation, your physician will measure your years and take pictures of their placements to help them establish what outcomes to expect.
This procedure could make your years more proportionate to your head, whether abnormally large or small. It could also be utilized to fix years protruding from the head. Lastly, it can fix structural problems resulting from poor genes, injury, or other trauma.
4. People with Realistic Expectations About the Procedure Itself
To be eligible for otoplasty, it is also crucial that you have reasonable expectations about the procedure itself. This procedure is often performed under general anesthesia and lasts for several hours.
The cut technique varies based on factors like the shape and size of the ears, and the correction you want. Often, your surgeon will make the cur on the inner fold of the ear or the back of the ear. The surgeon then manipulates the tissue and might also remove some cartilage and skin.
5. Individuals Who Can Adhere to Post-Procedure Instructions
To qualify for an otoplasty, you must be ready and able to adhere to all post-procedure instructions. For example, avoid touching or scratching your ears. You should also sleep on your stomach or back for several weeks after the procedure.
You must also wear clothes you do not have to pull over your head, like button-down dresses and button-up shirts. During your consultation, your surgeon will offer you an extensive guide for post-care instructions.
Misshapen or prominent ears can result in embarrassment and the loss of self-esteem. Therefore, if you are concerned about the shape or size of your years, you might benefit from an otoplasty procedure.
The above mentioned criteria provide general insight into who may be eligible for an otoplasty. However, to ensure that this procedure meets your unique needs and care goals, you should arrange a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
