EARS (OTOPLASTY)
What are the benefits?
Otoplasty pins back ears that protrude abnormally from the head.
Is it for me?
As with all surgery, otoplasty can improve your appearance and self confidence but it won’t necessarily change the way other people perceive you. Before opting for this procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
What technique is used?
The surgery consists of making an incision behind the ear, releasing and sculpting cartilage until the ear’s position is satisfactory. The skin is then replaced and usually partially excised and the incision closed.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will evaluate your general health and examine your ears. She will check your skin as well as cartilage quality and form. Dr. Duclos will also inform you of what results you might expect, point out the incision sites and explaining the inherent risks of the procedure. She will also explain each step of the procedure itself, which is usually performed under a local anaesthetic with sedative, and discuss pre and post operative care.
The procedure lasts about an hour and a half, and a form fitting bandage will be applied around your head. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, you’ll probably experience moderate pain. It is important that you take your pain medication before the anaesthetic wears off completely. The pain should subside after about 48 hours.
Don’t get your bandage wet, and don’t try fixing or moving it. Keep it on until your next appointment, which is usually five to seven days after the procedure. You’ll be able to wash your hair once the bandage is removed.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for three weeks and keep your scars out of the sun or tanning salon for about six months.
What are the risks?
Otoplasty has few risks and generally gives very good results. Complications are quite rare. Bleeding, infection and irregular scarring can, however, occur.
It could also happen that the results aren’t quite as symmetrical as desired. In this case, a second procedure may be necessary. Since cartilage can change in the days following the procedure, it is also possible that, even though results were perfect on the operating table, they may alter after the fact.