OTOPLASTY

ENHANCING YOUR APPEARANCE WITH EAR SURGERY

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

CHILDREN WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR EAR SURGERY ARE:

• healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
• Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
• Cooperative and follow instructions well
• Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

TEENAGERS AND ADULTS WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR EAR SURGERY ARE:

• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery.

THE OTOPLASTY SURGERY PROCEDURE

Our plastic surgeons at Premium Care perform otoplasty with an incision that is limited to the natural crease behind the ear in a place that is not seen. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour for each ear but varies depending on the overall ear deformity. In addition to putting the ears in the correct position relative to their distance from the head, the natural contours of the ear folds and crevices are created. Most people who have protruding ears lack what is known as an antihelical fold at the top of the ear. The ear is much more aesthetically pleasing when the antihelical fold is created.

OTOPLASTY RECOVERY

A bandage is placed over the ears for 1 night. Children can return to school in one week and adults return to work in 3 to 5 days. There are no sutures to be removed following an otoplasty. Usually there is some bruising associated with otoplasty and the ears will be tender after the procedure. The patient can shower and wash their hair the morning after surgery. All of the stitches behind the ear dissolve so no suture removal is required.

Ready to move forward with otoplasty in Colombia? Want to learn more about your options? Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons soon? You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States, to schedule an appointment.

EAR LOBE SURGERY

RECONSTRUCTING DAMAGE EARLOBES

Earlobe surgery is performed to repair ear lobes that have been torn by earrings or trauma, or that have been intentionally stretched through the body piercing practice known as gauging. It is not the same as ear pinning (otoplasty), which is performed to correct protruding or misshapen ears.

HOW EARLOBES GET TORN AND STRETCHED

The ear lobe is made up of skin and fat. No bones. No cartilage. This is why it is more prone to tearing than other parts of the ear, which are composed of heavy cartilage. The ear lobe can be torn by large, heavy earrings that pull downward. Tears can also occur if earrings are yanked by children or caught in clothing or other objects. Such tears may stretch out the original ear piercing tract. In some cases, the tears may continue through the bottom of the earlobe, causing a split lobe. Although some earlobe tears may heal over time, they can result in unsightly scars that make it hard to re-pierce the ear or wear earrings.

Stretched earlobes are often a result of intentional stretching through the use of progressively larger gauges.

Regardless of the cause of the stretching, ear lobe surgery can repair the lobe and allow you to wear earrings again following surgery.

THE EAR LOBE SURGERY PROCEDURE

Earlobe surgery is an outpatient procedure done with local anesthesia. It takes about one hour, although your time in surgery will depend on the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon cuts away the skin lining the tear or piercing tract, removes excess tissue (if necessary) and sutures the lobe back together. This usually results in a smaller earlobe.

If your lobe has been split, you will have to wait for the wound to heal before undergoing surgery. Surgery can take place immediately after a partial split.

In many cases, it is possible to re-pierce the ears as part of the earlobe surgery procedure. If you have your ears re-pierced during the procedure, you will receive stud earrings that you must wear for about two months before switching to other types of earrings. Sometimes temporary spacers or stitches may be placed in the ears. These can be used for light earrings after six weeks and heavier earrings down the road, when your lobes have healed properly.

EAR LOBE SURGERY RECOVERY

You may experience some discomfort following ear lobe surgery. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can help. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions regarding which OTC medications are safe as well as how to care for the surgical area. You will not need bandages on your ear lobes, but you will be asked to apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions to help prevent infection. Your stitches will be removed after the swelling has gone down. This typically occurs within one week.

The surgical recovery period is an important time during which the results of your procedure can be impacted. It’s important that you follow the advice of your physician to ensure optimal treatment results.

HOW TO PREVENT EARLOBE TEARS

Choose lightweight or stud earrings instead of big hoops. Also, remove large, bright earrings when you are around kids, as young children may be tempted to grab and pull on them.

Ready to move forward with ear surgery in Colombia? Want to learn more about your options? Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons soon? You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

YOUR EAR SURGERY IN COLOMBIA – CONSULTATION AT PREMIUM CARE PLASTIC SURGERY x

The best way for patients to understand their options is in a thorough consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. In our approach to ear surgery in Colombia, communicating with our patient is key. We will carefully review your medical history and evaluation questionnaire before the initial consultation. Our plastic surgeons will explain how the different procedures may apply to you specifically, and what we recommend for your particular case. We’ll also demonstrate the result we’d expect with each of the procedure options.

Ear surgery in Colombia is an area of expertise for our plastic surgeons at Premium Care. Our patient population reflects a cross-section of the United States, Europe, and Latin America, and we have a broad range of experience with different ages, ethnicities, and sizes of patients

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Previous surgeries
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and tobacco

YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON AT PREMIUM CARE WILL ALSO:

• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of facelift and any risks or potential complications

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 19 09 in United States.

PREPARING FOR EAR SURGERY IN COLOMBIA

Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia encourages you to take a few simple steps in preparation for your ear surgery procedure. Following the steps presented below will make your recovery from surgery as safe, short and relaxing as possible.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of specific steps you should take leading up to your procedure. This list might include limiting your use of certain medications, alcohol and cigarettes, and minor changes in your grooming habits. These changes are temporary but very important to your comfort and safety.

BEFORE EAR SURGERY IN COLOMBIA, YOU MAY BE ASKED TO:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS YOU RECEIVE WILL COVER:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your ear surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Medications to purchase and bring with you on the day of surgery.

On the day of your surgery, we ask that you wear no jewelry or make-up and avoid deodorant, skin lotions and perfume. We recommend warm, loose fitting clothing, such as pajamas or sweat pants with thick socks or slippers to prevent the chills commonly experienced after surgery. Please inform your surgeon if you have a cold, sore throat, active allergies or an open cut or sore on the day of your liposuction.

You’ll need help. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Effective planning prior to undergoing ear surgery can make your recovery as brief and relaxing as possible.

To take the next step, arrange a personal consultation with Premium Care Plastic Surgery at by calling us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States, to use our convenient online form to book a consultation online.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EAR SURGERY IN COLOMBIA?

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

STEP 2 – THE INCISION

Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Your surgeon may trim the cartilage, reshape it and then hold it back with permanent sutures. Sometimes, no cartilage is removed. Instead, stitches suspend the ear into its desired position, hence the term “ear pinning.” Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

STEP 3 – CLOSING THE INCISIONS

External stitches close the incision. Techniques are individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.

STEP 4 – SEE THE RESULTS

Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear.

After the surgery, a bandage will be placed around your head to hold your ears in place. You may be asked to wear a headband or stocking cap for a week or so after your otoplasty. The results of ear surgery can be immediate and long lasting.

RESULTS AND OUTLOOK

Ear surgery in Colombia offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear.

The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

EAR SURGERY IN COLOMBIA RECOVERY

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

YOU WILL BE GIVEN SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY INCLUDE:

• How to care for your ears following ear surgery in Colombia
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

BE CAREFUL

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

If you have more specific questions, request a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States, to discuss your options for ear surgery in Colombia.

EAR SURGERY: WORDS TO KNOW

OTOPLASTY WORDS TO KNOW

• Antihelical fold: A fold that is just inside the rim of the ear.
• Conchal cartilage: The largest and deepest concavity of the external ear.
• Constricted ear: Also called a cup ear, has varying degrees of protrusion, reduced ear circumference, folding or flattening of the upper helical rim, and lowered ear position.
• Cryptotia: Also called hidden ear, occurs when the upper rim of the ear is buried beneath a fold of scalp secondary to abnormal folding of the upper ear cartilage toward the head. The folding is the reverse of that commonly seen in the protruding ear.
• Ear axis: The main line of ear growth.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Macrotia: Overly large ears; a rare condition.
• Microtia: The most complex congenital ear deformity when the outer ear appears as either a sausage-shaped structure resembling little more than the earlobe, or has more recognizable parts of the concha and tragus or other normal ear features. It may or may not be missing the external auditory or hearing canal. Hearing is impaired to varying degrees.
• Otoplasty: A surgical procedure also known as ear surgery to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.
• Stahl’s ear: An ear that is distorted in shape due to an abnormal fold of cartilage.

EAR SURGERY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty refers to surgery performed to correct prominent ears by setting them back closer to the head.

How is Otoplasty performed?

The operative technique will vary depending on your physical features and your surgeons methods. The aim is to create a more pronounced fold in the central portion of the ear by remodelling cartilage. Skin is removed from behind the ear, part of the cartilage is folded or removed and the ear is allowed to bend naturally towards the side of the head.

What results can I expect?

Following a successful otoplasty you can expect a more ‘normal’ shape with ears being positioned more closely against the head.

Is an Otoplasty suitable for me?

The decision to go ahead with an aesthetic procedure is a very personal one – particularly when you are making that decision on behalf of a child. The first step is a consultation with one of the qualified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery. Whatever your reasons you should frankly discuss your personal goals and expectations with respect to the outcome of the procedure (both physical and emotional) with your surgeon. As with any aesthetic surgery you should always keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

How long will the procedure take?

Depending on the extent of the procedure, bat ear correction surgery may last anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. However, please keep in mind that this is only actual surgical time. To ensure the highest standard of personalized patient care, attention to detail and results, the Aesthetic Day Surgery requires you to spend appropriate time both immediately before and after the procedure within the Day Surgery. Additional time may need to also be taken with children. (Note: this time would be in addition to your initial and follow up consultations with an ADS Surgeon).

How long will it take me (or my child) to recover following an Otoplasty?

Recovery times do vary from one patient to the next although in general recovery is rapid. Upon discharge you will have a head bandage which will need to be worn for up to 1-2 weeks and will need to rest for this period of time. Post-operative pain after the first 24-48 hours should be minimal and if pain persists the surgeon should be consulted. It is also usual for the ears to be slightly swollen and bruised when the bandages are first removed although this should return to normal over the next couple of weeks.

Most patients are able to return to school or work in one week but should avoid sport and strenuous exercise for up to 6-8 weeks. Due to the nature of some playground activities, parents will need to take special care of children who have recently undergone the procedure to ensure appropriate healing time and to minimize any potential complications.

Will the procedure leave any scars?

The advanced surgical techniques applied by the surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery are designed to minimize (and where possible eliminate) all visible scarring. Surgical incisions are usually made behind the ear itself – resulting in no (or minimal) visible scarring. In general, you can expect any scarring that does occur to fade considerably with time although there is an individual variation in healing time and scar formation.

What side effects or potential complications exist with Otoplasty?

While each patient is different, in general no major complications are normally expected in an otoplasty procedure. However, some small degree of bleeding and bruising may occur. On rare occasions a set back ear may protrude again necessitating a second procedure. Following your surgeon post-operative instructions will reduce the risk of this and any other complications. As normally the two sides of a person head are naturally different, perfect symmetry between the two sides post operatively is not always able to be obtained. Your surgeon at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will discuss side effects and any potential complications directly with you at your initial consultation.

At what age is an Otoplasty normally carried out on children?

There is no set age for the procedure to be carried out, however the operation is usually performed after the age of 5 or 6 years. This time frame usually corresponds with the time when children will be starting school and where potential issues of being perceived as ‘different’ from other classmates may arise.

Can all Otoplasty procedures be carried out at the Aesthetic Day Surgery?

Otoplasty procedures are usually performed as day cases at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. Many parents prefer the Day Surgery as it allows their child to return home with them that evening following the procedure.

Is a general anesthetic required for an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. For children a general anesthetic is required.

Can I remain with my child during the procedure?

You may remain with your child up until he or she goes into the operating room for the actual procedure. At this point in time their care will be passed to the trained medical staff. You will be able to see your child again immediately following the procedure and when any necessary postoperative procedures and checks have been completed. Staff at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will be able to keep you informed of exactly what is happening throughout your child’s time at Premium Care Plastic Surgery.

If you have more specific questions, request a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States, to discuss your options for ear surgery.