Ear Reshaping Surgery ( Otoplasty ) - What it is, Benefits, Procedure & much more

What is Ear Reshaping?
EAR RESHAPING is also known as otoplasty. Cosmetic surgery of the ear is an aesthetic procedure that helps to alter the size, position, or proportion of the ears.
The result of otoplasty varies greatly depending on the changes that are desired by the patient.
EAR RESHAPING is known to enhance and boost self-confidence in children and teenagers.
If the ears bulge out, ear pinning can be done to flatten the ears against the head. If one ear is positioned higher than the other, ear repositioning can help create symmetry. Large, oversized ears can be addressed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries.>
Who Needs It?/ Candidature For Ear Reshaping
Who is the best candidate for Ear Reshaping?
The need for EAR RESHAPING :
If you are born with overly big or small ears.
If your ears are disproportionate in context to your head or oddly located.
If your ears bulge out noticeably.
If you have wretched with an injury that has negatively impacted the shape or positioning of the ears
Children are common patients for otoplasty.if and when the ears have reached their full size, which usually happens around age six.
A set-back otoplasty, is a procedure to reduce the prominence of ears that bulge out too much, can be performed on both adults as well as children.

Eligibility to undergo a EAR RESHAPING :
Any of the above mentioned reasons makes you a suitable candidate to undergo EAR RESHAPING , But to be an eligible candidate for surgery you should also fulfill the following criteria:
Every surgical procedure including plastic or cosmetic surgery involves certain risks. You should undergo a EAR RESHAPING only if you have a medical requirement or you feel that the particular surgery will enhance your quality of life.
You shall be a good candidate for the EAR RESHAPING if you are healthy, you have realistic expectations from the outcome of the surgery and you are aware of all the risks associated with the procedure.
You cannot consider undergoing a cosmetic surgery if you have serious health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders like haemophilia or depression.
You shall not be a good candidate for the EAR RESHAPING if you smoke or drink too much alcohol.
You should have positive attitude!
You expectations from the outcome of the surgery should be realistic.
You should be ready to miss at least a few weeks of normal activity.

Benefits Of Ear Reshaping
Cosmetic surgery of the ear is an aesthetic procedure that helps to alter the size, position, or proportion of the ears.
Advantages of EAR RESHAPING :
Otoplasty can improvise the shape and proportion of the ears.
A ear surgery can enhance self-confidence
It is a minimal-risk procedure that can be also performed on children over the age of five.
The biggest of EAR RESHAPING is that the outcome normally lasts for a lifetime with minimal fluctuations.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
Youthfulness
Ageing is a natural process which everyone goes through. Visible wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes are signs of ageing. Such skin flaws makes you look tired or aged. But with EAR RESHAPING like suitable treatment one feels younger, healthier and rejuvenated.
Natural:
Nowadays EAR RESHAPING is gaining immense popularity because it produce results that blend extremely well with a patient's facial aesthetics. Soon after the surgery, one gets back to the desired or normal shape of a treated body part. One does not have to wait long to see the result, which is the beauty of cosmetic surgery.

INCREASED CONFIDENCE AND ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH:
Self Confidence is a tool that helps us face challenges and tackle problems in life, with great certainty. When you look good, you feel good which in turn increases your self confidence. It leads to greater willingness to try new things or open up in social situations. You become more willing and open to wearing certain clothes or participating in activities which you avoided prior to surgery, due to discomfort in your appearance.
Certain clinicians and psychologists feel, few corrections in your body parts, by cosmetic surgery can not only lead to emotional wellness but also enhanced mental health.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
Studies do suggest that people that are more attractive benefit in their personal as well as professional lives.
Studies have also found, good looking people have a higher probability of getting promotions and making more salary.
A 2012 study published in Applied Financial Economics revealed that good looking real estate agents were able to sell properties at a higher price than agents that were average looking.
Disadvantages of EAR RESHAPING :
Young children who undergo surgery might have trouble dealing with aftercare and recovery.
There are chances that the ear symmetry may be affected.
The biggest disadvantage of otoplasty is chances of permanent scarring or numbness of the ear or face.
If you wish to undergo an EAR RESHAPING for specific goal or need, what is unique to you, please consult your aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Ear Reshaping Surgery Procedure
The procedure
In children, the cartilage is soft enough and splints can be used for performing the surgery which is mostly done under general anesthesia.
Adults, however, have harder cartilage, and the procedure should be carried out by removing or repositioning cartilage after making an incision in the ear.
Depending on the structure of ears and expected changes, the doctor might take an incision hidden inside or behind the ear.
Extra cartilage or soft tissue that makes the ear "bulge out" too much can be removed.
If normal folds are missing from the ear, they can be re-created by re-shaping the cartilage with permanent surgical seam or scraping the cartilage to contour it.
Occasionally, combination of techniques is required to get the desired outcome.
Incisions are made to excise excess skin and fat.
The cartilage is recontoured and brought into appropriate position.
The sutures close the incision.
Otoplasty can be carried out on children as young as five or six to correct large ears that bulge out from the head.

Ear Reshaping Surgery Alternatives
EAR RESHAPING can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, along with liposuction alone, if only fat is being removed and the skin quality is good.
Associated Risks
Complications:
The potential for complications while performing surgery persist, just as for any other operation.
Pain is probably the most significant drawback of plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in a few cases.
Some individuals may be at risk of severe reactions to anaesthesia or may develop health problems such as bleeding as a result of their surgery.
You need to discuss with Doctor regarding risks involved in the procedure.

Severe side effects:
Any surgical procedures carries a certain amount of risk, which may include excessive swelling, bruising or bleeding , wound becomes infected, delayed healing of wounds, numbness, breathing difficulties, unfavourable scarring, extrusion of implants or sutures, pain, and the need for revision of the surgery.

Worsened Self Image:
Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily a purely aesthetic choice few choose it out of low self esteem and depression. If this is the true intention behind the surgery, than you will most probably never feel better after surgery because the underlying problems will still be unresolved.
All in all, however, if complications are few and the benefits far outweigh the risks then Cosmetic Surgery is a procedure that can change your life for the better.
Preparing For Ear Reshaping Surgery
If you are considering EAR RESHAPING , it is important to take the time to determine why you want the surgery in the first place. If you have a medical need, or if you truly feel that reshaping your ear will improve your quality of life, then you are a good candidate if you meet the aforementioned criteria.
While some people think that EAR RESHAPING is just a cosmetic procedure, it is in fact a medical procedure required for some people. EAR RESHAPING is done, not just to enhance your appearance but to also contribute to your overall health. Although having a EAR RESHAPING is common celebrities and those who work in the limelight, certain life circumstances can force you to go under the knife. Here are some medically-necessary reasons that require you to have EAR RESHAPING .

Appropriate Consultation
The most appropriate way to consider your competency for any kind of plastic surgery is to schedule an appointment with a proficient surgeon.
During the first encounter the doctor will try to understand why you feel the need to have a surgery and also what are your expectations from the outcome of the surgery.
The physician will evaluate your medical history; inquire about your current medication and medical condition. He should also be aware of everything you take, including vitamin supplements or herbal products since they might interfere with other medicines used during surgery. The surgeon might ask you to perform blood tests and a few general lab tests to monitor your current health status.
The surgeon will perform a physical exam, to have a close look at the skin, associated muscles and bones, their quality and the kind of changes that can be made. Surgeon might also suggest an additional surgery which will enhance or compliment your look,
and last but not the least; the physician will assess your mental fitness to check whether you are ready to undergo the surgery.

RECOVERY TIME
Recovery is basically the time required to get back to a relatively normal routine.
Patients who wish to undergo EAR RESHAPING must plan for time off to heal and to be comfortable being seen in public.
The healing time can vary from person to person and will also depend on the type of surgery to be performed.
It can take up to two three weeks to return to work and perform everyday activities. After consulting with the doctor, People can utilise this time to go on a vacation or nurture themselves.

THE OUTCOME:
Sometimes the EAR RESHAPING doesn't produce the results the patient imagines. This gap between imagination and reality may frustrate patient.
Expecting unrealistic results, like the surgery will make you look like a Hollywood or Bollywood star and automatically solve all of your problems, can be a significant drawback to having cosmetic procedures.
To have a better experience, it is extremely important to consult a qualified doctor before planning the surgery and develop a rational idea of what the end result will look like.

After Effects Of Surgery
Pain:

There are chances of having mild to moderate pain and discomfort post surgery. The pain can be easily regulated with oral medications.
The distress and pain should reduce within 72 hours after surgery. A reasonable increase in pain post 72 hours should prompt you to contact the doctor.

Swelling:
Swelling can differ from patient to patient. It might increase during first three to four days before subsiding.
Things that can be done to reduce swelling include keeping the head elevated as much as possible; avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Prolonged sun exposure should also be avoided for the initial two to three months.

Discoloration

Most bruising and discoloration resolve within the first two to three weeks. Make up can be applied to cover up the discolouration when been seen in public.

Numbness

The body part that undergoes the surgery can be numb for few days. The feeling of numbness is normal and shall reduce over upcoming weeks. Unusual sensations and moderate discomfort can persist while the nerves are regenerating over time.

Bleeding

Sometimes bleeding can occur, post surgery. You can lie down with your head elevated but if the bleeding still persists at this point, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.

Depression

It is perfectly alright for patients to go through a period of mild depression after the cosmetic surgery as after some days or weeks which depends on surgery, patients generally becomes anxious and expects the results when swelling and bruising still persists. But the patient should realize that it is a temporary condition and things are bound to improve over a period of time.

Post Surgery Do's And Don'ts
Ask your doctor. for better and suitable guidelines. Following are the general instructions which should help you get the best results from your surgery.
Post Surgery do’s and don’ts:
No vigorous exercise, contact sports and running for minimum of two weeks.
No lifting heavy objects for at least 3 weeks.
Avoid pullover clothing for two weeks especially if you have undergone a face surgery.
Bypass hard chewing foods for a few days.
Avoid yawning and wide mouth opening for two to three weeks.
Avoid nose blowing or sniffing through the nose especially after rhinoplasty or nose job.
Avoid driving a vehicle for a few days after surgery.
No swimming for at least two weeks after surgery.
Avoid laughing, smiling, or other facial expressions that need a lot of movement.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth.
Prefer using a mild soap and shampoo while taking a shower.
It is essential to maintain the tape and cover on the surgery to keep it dry. Once the doctor advises to remove the tape you can to gently wash your surgery area twice a day to help reduce oiliness.
You should be prompt enough to contact the doctor immediately, for any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, infections, redness, swelling, fever, pain etc.

Exercising After Ear Reshaping
After cosmetic surgery many patients asks about post surgery exercise or when can they resume their gym activity. Patients needs to understand that, its extremely crucial to give enough time for proper healing of your body, for eg strain on muscles, excessive sweating, stretching of the skin etc. can delay the recovery.
You need to consult your doctor about
How soon you can start exercising?
What type of exercise?
How much time?
Don't start exercise without asking your doctor and follow guidelines given by your doctor as for complete healing, body needs time, and you need enough energy level for your routine and gym.

Seek Medical Help
IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
Development of a temperature elevation exceeding 100 degrees.
An unusual amount of bleeding from the surgery area
Significant reinjury of the surgery area
A significant increase in pain even after taking your prescribed medication
In such situations, we expect you to call to the clinic even after office hour, Please do not hesitate to call us or present yourself to the emergency section of the clinic for evaluation.