The goal of this surgery is to bring the patient’s ears closer to the head in order to achieve the required symmetry. It can be done both in mature people and children. The ears can change their position due to a couple of important factors, including genetic ones. Some defects are hereditary and can be seen at the age of about 6-8 years when the growth of ear cartilage ends. Because children with asymmetric ears are often insulted by their colleagues, their parents often choose to help them by getting in touch with a professional surgeon that can get them past this period.
The angle between the ear and head is approximately of 30 degrees. In certain cases, however, it can reach the value of 90 degrees. Surgery reduces the angle proportional to other facial features. This operation is simple, being about ear cartilage remodeling. Usually, the defect is that the fold is missing or the cartilage inside the ear is too high. During the operation an incision is done behind the ear, in a hidden place that is impossible to be seen, removing excess cartilage there. Then the fold and shape desired is achieved by remodeling the angle.
As for the complications, these are very unlikely to lead to any severe medical complication and are generally limited to a rough stitch or scar in the area operated, subcutaneous blood clots, temporary infections, weakening of stitches and ears that return to their previous state after the intervention. It is important to note that all these complications are rare. After the operation the surgeon and his team will stay with the patient and supervise their evolution.
As for the recovery period, the bandage from surgery will be put around the ears and will remain for a week. It is advisable to wear an elastic band over your ears at night. The first part of the healing period ends after about a month, then you can get rid of the band over the ears during both day and night. The final results can be assessed after a few months and even a year after surgery, this time being associated with pain or redness. Ear correction with cosmetic surgery is ideally performed in childhood. Ears usually complete their development around the age of 9 years and remain so for the entire life. As a consequence, it is recommendable to perform surgery at approximately 9-10. This is because that child enters puberty without this defect and will not be subject to others’ jokes.
There are various deformities of the ear, but the most common (90%) is that the ears are too far from the head. The surgery is done under local anesthesia or general (as needed) and takes 1-2 hours depending on complexity. Pain is minimal and is treated with painkillers. Sure, your ears will be slightly swollen and colorful these days, but after removing the wires they will return to their normal position and the aspect obtained will be a very pleasant one. For several weeks must wear a band to help healing.