Otoplasty: Common Questions By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Whether you are considering cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty for yourself or for your child, you will likely have plenty of questions. Here are some of the most common ones that can help you decide if surgery is right for you or your child.

What are the different otoplasty methods?

Some ears require reshaping or repositioning and some require a simple reduction. Depending on what is required, the surgeon will use an appropriate technique. For example, when they need to be built up or reduced, the cartilage scoring method will be employed to make incisions right into the cartilage.

Another technique is the cartilage sparing method. This does not require cut and reshaping, but uses sutures to pull the ear into the desired position. There is obviously less scarring with this technique.

Is it a safe procedure for children?

Otoplasty is considered one of the safest plastic surgeries available today, both for adults and for children. The ear contains basically only cartilage, and the back of the ear, where the incision is made is not near any major arteries or other blood lines, so there is not much chance of doing even any accidental damage.

Really the only risk associated with the procedure is infection, and that is simply a possibility with any type of surgery. With proper cleaning and handling techniques however, this risk can be minimized. And while it is a safe surgery, your child will experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, for which you will need to prepare him or her.

Will there be significant scarring?

T he incisions are made along the back of the ear in the crease next to the head. There will be scars that will be first red, but they will fade to a purplish color after time and will probably be almost imperceptible because of their position. Anyone with longer hair will easily be able to hide any trace of the small scars.

How long does it take to heal?

Complete healing takes roughly six weeks, although adults are usually back to work within a few days, and children can be back to school after a week. There will be some swelling and discomfort or "achiness" that may persist for several weeks, but pain medication will be prescribed by the surgeon at the end of the procedure to help ease the aches. Children will need to be careful for at least a couple weeks not to get to rough in their playing, to prevent tearing or ripping of the sutures.

Can otoplasty restore disfigured ears?

Yes, with the wonders of modern science and medicine both congenital ear defects and injury-caused deformities can be fixed, at least to some degree by this surgery. Cartilage and other tissues can be used to rebuild ears for a more natural appearance.

Will the surgery be covered by my insurance?

Most routine cosmetic surgeries do not affect any of the central functions of the body and are thereby considered elective by insurance companies. The only case where insurance might pay for the surgery is reconstructive surgery is needed for deformed or maimed ones. Otherwise, you can often finance otoplasty with payment plans.

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