Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed to correct protruding ears or other ear deformities. In this post, we are going to discuss at what age otoplasty can be performed, as well as the factors that should be considered when making a decision. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Being dissatisfied with the appearance of our ears is a fairly common problem for many patients. Some people have ears that protrude more than necessary, are asymmetrical or have what we know as a loop shape or “bat ears”.
Fortunately, thanks to otoplasty in Madrid surgery, also called ear reshaping surgery, we can modify or correct the ear achieving a natural and harmonious appearance.
This plastic surgery procedure is very popular among adults and children. It is very common for children to be the target of teasing by their peers, which sometimes persists throughout their lives; and adults do everything possible to hide their imperfect ears with hair, caps or hats.
The majority of people who undergo ear plastic surgery are children between six and fourteen years old. It helps children feel better about their ears and reduces teasing and embarrassment.
This aesthetic surgery procedure can greatly improve a person’s appearance and self-confidence, a fundamental factor in childhood and adolescence, where the perception of personal image develops. This has a medium and long-term impact on the self-esteem of the future adult.
At Sculpture Clinic, we offer you the best otoplasty service, thanks to our maxillofacial surgery specialist, Dr. Estefanía Alonso. She will study your case or your child’s case and put her experience at your disposal to obtain the best result.
Otoplasty or ear surgery is an effective treatment to correct especially those ears that have protruded from the head, giving them the shape and size we want.
The procedure consists of making an incision on the back of the ear where it joins the skull, through which the cartilage of the ear is reshaped and the depth and size of the ear are reduced. There is also the option of a mini otoplasty.
It is a very simple surgery that takes between 30 and 45 minutes, with very defined and natural results that give patients confidence and security. For this reason, if you experience confidence and self-esteem problems due to your ears, we recommend this surgery without a doubt.
During the procedure, the patient feels absolutely no pain. In children, otoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, while in adults it is usually performed under local anesthesia alone or accompanied by mild sedation.
The patient will not be discharged definitively until one year after surgery. During this period, the maxillofacial surgeon will perform regular check-ups and treatments to ensure that the evolution is as expected. It is important to follow medical recommendations to ensure the best result and avoid unwanted complications.
Otoplasty can be combined with other surgeries such as rhinoplasty. Dr Miguel is the best rhinoplasty surgeon, explore the possibility of having both treatments at the same time.
This procedure is the only one within plastic and maxillofacial surgery that is performed on children or directly on minors. In fact, experts recommend it to prevent possible bullying at school, since children at this age tend to be quite cruel and this can affect self-esteem and confidence in personal appearance.
Unlike other treatments, undergoing otoplasty does not require a report from the pediatrician, so having the desire to modify the size or position of the ears will be sufficient reason to undergo surgery.
When the child is six years old, the auricle has already fully formed with all its folds, and this is when the defect can be assessed to proceed with surgery.
Around this age, approximately, is when children start to pay attention to physical matters like this and can hear uncomfortable comments from others.
This can affect their school performance indirectly and their well-being and happiness directly. At this age, the child will be capable of both understanding the operation and cooperating during the post-operative period.
Obviously, ear surgery can be performed on any person of legal age, but it is usually done when the person is between six and fourteen years old, precisely because it is during this time that it is both most difficult and crucial to develop good self-perception and self-esteem.
It is important to intervene early if it is suspected that a child has a problem with their ears. However, it is also a very common surgery for adults who want to improve their appearance and bring harmony to their face.
As we have mentioned earlier, this type of intervention is ideal to avoid bullying in the case of children. Therefore, the recommended time for otoplasty surgery in children is as early as possible.
This does not mean it is not a very suitable surgery for adults who have problems with the appearance of their ears, as it can help them resolve self-esteem and confidence issues.
It is important to clarify that the child who is going to undergo the operation must want to do so and give their consent, and in no case is it advisable to insist on surgery if they do not wish it. It is essential to understand how the child feels and let them know that they can fix their problem if they wish.
In short, the more determined and motivated the patient is, the better they will cooperate and the more satisfied they will be with the results.
Those who undergo ear surgery can enjoy benefits related to appearance and mental health.
For those who feel embarrassed or self-conscious about how their ears look, otoplasty can help them feel better about themselves, as well as project more confidence and security in front of others. This will be reflected in how the patient conducts themselves in their environment; for example, a child at school will feel more accepted and their self-esteem will improve, or a woman who no longer needs to wear her hair long and loose to hide her ears behind it.
Congenital ear deformations range from mild to severe, and are present from the person’s birth. And for those who have suffered from this condition since childhood, otoplasty means an effective and safe solution; which will also last over time, as the results are permanent.
The aesthetic benefit of otoplasty is based on the change in the appearance of the ears, seeking greater harmony and proportionality with respect to the other parts of the face, so that the patient achieves a symmetrical and visually pleasing appearance. Additionally, ear surgery leaves no visible scars and the result is a natural-looking image.
On the other hand, otoplasty can also help correct functional ear problems that affect hearing, such as protruding ears, which obstruct the ear canal.
Although the results of otoplasty one year later are seen clearly.
When discussing otoplasty risks and complications, it is important to note that this is generally a very safe procedure. However, like all aesthetic surgery, it carries some potential risks that can be minimized by choosing a specialized clinic and surgeon. Among these we can mention:
Now that you know at what age otoplasty can be performed, this aesthetic surgery is the only one recommended in children, although they should always be in agreement and understand the process. It is a decision that can be made with your family and the surgeon.
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