Otoplasty - what is it, types of surgery, photos before and after ear plastic surgery, prices, clinics

In plastic surgery, surgery to reshape, correct, reconstruct the auricles is one of the easiest and safest. Such an operation in medicine is called "otoplasty", if the doctor says it can be performed for both adults and children. In total, there are about 150 types of otoplasty, but up to 5 types are the most common.

What is otoplasty

Otoplasty is a surgical intervention to correct the shape, reconstruction of the auricles, the deformation of which can be congenital or resulting from trauma.

The operation does not affect the degree and quality of a person's hearing, as it is aesthetic.It is important to know! Popular types of otoplasty are among the safest procedures.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Auricle defects that are indications for surgery:

• Asymmetry of the location of the ears;
• lop-earedness;
• earlobe defects;
• scars on the ears;
• lack of auricle;
• congenital defects (changes) of the auricles.

The causes of congenital deformity of the ear can be different. The most common are:

• wrong location;
• excessive amount of cartilage tissue;
• damage to parts of the ear.

The main reason is heredity, a defect in ear formation can appear even after a generation.

There are some restrictions for otoplasty:

• the presence of cancer;
• diabetes;
• diseases of the internal organs;
• infection, ear diseases;
• pregnancy;
• poor blood clotting.

Otoplasty 1 degree of complexity

The operation to correct the auricle can be of varying degrees of complexity, the technique of execution and its cost depend on it. The technique of execution is of great importance.

For example, surgery to correct protruding ears has 3 degrees of complexity, which depend on the angle of the auricle in relation to the head.

The price for laser otoplasty of the 1st degree of complexity in Moscow or St. Petersburg starts from 20,000 rubles. Such an operation is considered uncomplicated, the surgeon removes excess cartilage tissue, the total duration of the procedure is from 30 to 50 minutes.

Otoplasty 2 degrees of complexity

At the second stage of the ear concha defect, in addition to standard actions, the surgeon needs to re-form the antihelix fold. The duration of this operation is up to one hour. The cost of an operation of increased complexity starts from 25,000 rubles.

Methods and types of otoplasty

The following main types of otoplasty are distinguished:

1. Aesthetic - involves the elimination of external defects: change in the shape, location of the auricles;
2. Reconstructive - used to restore a lost ear or part of it.

There are several methods for correcting a defect in the auricle:

• Traditional (mechanical surgery) - all incisions are performed with a scalpel. The procedure is long, the rehabilitation period takes a long time. Scars may remain after surgery;
• Laser - a modern method by which the incisions are made with a special laser. The process is faster than with the traditional method, healing is also faster with less chance of complications.

According to the technique of performing otoplasty, it is divided into:

• Seamless way - involves the correction of the ear defect due to the elasticity of the cartilage tissue, which makes it easy to bend. The surgeon performs excision of cartilage and skin, performs correction, no stitches are applied. Another method involves making incisions on the outside of the cartilage to correct the defect.
• Suture method - it is divided into two types: Furnas - this is the removal of a part of the skin on the back of the ear, the cartilage tissue is sutured to the temporal part of the head. Mustarde: an incision is made along the inner side of the ear, sutures are applied to the cartilage tissue, and thus the shape of the ear is corrected.
• Correction without removal of cartilage... It is used for lop-earedness. Part of the skin behind the ear is cut off, the cartilage is folded back and fixed with non-removable sutures. Thus, the shape of the auricle changes;
• Closed otoplasty method - is considered less traumatic than others. Several punctures are made on the back of the ear to access the cartilage.

The method of the otoplasty procedure is chosen by the doctor, based on the tests and the patient's consent.

Ear surgery - elven ears

In recent years, young people, fascinated by the world of fantasy, are trying to make their appearance similar to the heroes of John Tolkien. Among the types of aesthetic otoplasty in this area, ear plastic is especially popular, aimed at changing the shape of the auricles like elven ones.

The phenomenon of changing ears to the form of elven ears became widespread in Hungary and China.

It is important to know! In Russia, a person who has reached the age of 18 can be a patient for plastic and aesthetic surgery. He must confirm his intentions in writing by signing documents on the desire to carry out a specific surgical intervention.

This is especially important in the case of otoplasty to change the shape of the auricles to unusual - elvish in young people, who are often influenced by modern fashion trends.

Before carrying out such otoplasty, the patient is explained the features of the change in appearance, the possible consequences of the operation.

The following factors are traditionally considered to be negative phenomena of aesthetic otoplasty "elven ears":

• it will be difficult to return the auricle to its normal shape;
• this type of otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia. After the end of the procedure, the pain does not go away for several weeks;
• for a long time after the operation, you should not sleep on your side so as not to infect.

Before the operation, the auricle is simulated on the computer. The shape is agreed with the patient, the incision lines are outlined. The surgeon must consider all postoperative consequences.

The main thing is to take into account the cartilaginous tension so that the tissues do not return to their original position after surgery.

To fix the resulting shape, the cartilage tissue is connected from the inside with suture material, which dissolves over time, and is not absorbable from the outside. Clamps are applied on top, it is possible to use an adhesive plaster.

Rehabilitation can last up to 3 months, since the cartilage tissue does not grow together as quickly as soft tissue. For this period, the patient will have to temporarily change his usual way of life: to give up the use of alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine.

After the operation, it is necessary to carry out regular restorative procedures as directed by the surgeon. The first dressings are done by a specialist, and then it will need to be done independently.

Otoplasty of the earlobe

An important place in the aesthetics of the face is played by the shape and location of the earlobe. The most popular ear plastic surgery is to repair a torn earlobe. Trauma can occur for a variety of reasons: wearing heavy earrings, piercing.

Plastic is possible if the lobe is too large. Piercing can also trigger keloid scars. Lobe otoplasty is useful for resizing a lobe.

The operation to correct the earlobe takes place in a hospital. The duration and type of anesthesia depends on the complexity of the lobe reconstruction. Under local anesthesia, surgery is usually performed for a torn lobe. On the inside, new incisions are made, excess skin is removed and fresh edges are sewn together. The duration of the operation is up to half an hour. The stitches are removed after 4-5 days.

During the operation to reduce the lobe, the excess is removed, a new lobe is formed. This operation takes about 20 minutes. Keloid scars can form on the lobe; they are also removed with otoplasty. During the procedure, the scars are excised and healthy tissue is moved to repair the lobe.

Otoplasty for lop-ear

Congenital lop-earedness is also corrected by an operation to correct the shape of the auricles. The defect does not in any way affect the functionality of the auditory organ, it changes the appearance of a person.

The purpose of the procedure is to shape and position the upper part of the ears in relation to the head. It is considered normal to have the auricle at an angle of 30 ° to the head and the ear line should run parallel to the cheek.

There should be a distance of no more than 2 cm between the ear and the head. Otoplasty aimed at correcting protruding ears is an aesthetic operation. In most modern clinics, it is performed under local anesthesia, the Furnas suture method.

General anesthesia is used for children. Depending on the complexity, the operation lasts from half an hour to 1 hour. For the correct outcome of the operation, before starting, a photograph of the ears is taken from the front, from the side, from the back.

On the back of the ear, incisions are made and the auricle is brought closer to the behind the ear and is fixed. After the operation, the incisions are almost invisible. After 2-3 hours, the patient is allowed to go home.

Ear surgery after tunnels

One of the most popular types of otoplasty is the restoration of the auricles after tunnels. When the earlobe is stretched to 4-5 cm, the skin is unable to restore its original size and shape on its own.

This requires reconstruction of the lobe. Plastic surgery after tunnels is considered a difficult operation. Close the tunnel and remove excess skin.

The effectiveness of the operation can be ensured by a qualified specialist experienced in carrying out this type of otoplasty.

First, the material is prepared, which is used to form the lobe in shape and size, which is ideally suited to the patient. The duration of the operation is from half an hour to 1 hour. After 5-6 days, the stitches are removed, and this place is sealed with medical glue, which even allows you to wash your hair.

Advantages of laser otoplasty over traditional

Correction of a defect in the auricle with a laser is considered an advanced and safer method in modern aesthetic surgery.

The traditional scalpel procedure is inferior to the laser procedure on several points.

So with laser otoplasty:

• there is a non-contact method of exposure to the ear tissue;
• the laser connects blood vessels without blood loss;
• cartilage tissue, when heated, becomes more plastic, which makes it easy to give the desired shape;
• the action of the laser has a disinfecting property - this minimizes the risk of infection during the operation;
• swelling and bruising is much less;
• the procedure is carried out with perfect precision, the cuts are barely noticeable;
• no scars, like after a scalpel;
• pain is much less;
• healing and rehabilitation is much faster;
• laser action stimulates tissue regeneration.

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How is the operation performed?

Analyzes before otoplasty

Before the operation, the patient undergoes the necessary examination, consultation with a general practitioner and an otolaryngologist is required. You also need to pass the following tests:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• Analysis of urine;
• tests for viral hepatitis, HIV infection, RW (syphilis), Australian antigen HBS;
• coagulogram;
• cardiogram;
• fluorography.

Women should take into account that otoplasty is not recommended during menstruation, as well as 4 days before and after. Otoplasty should not be done during an acute respiratory illness. You cannot come to the operation hungry.

Stages

The main stages of a standard aesthetic ear shaping surgery are as follows:

• an incision is made on the desired side of the auricle (usually the back);
• the skin is separated from the cartilage tissue;
• the defect is corrected, the incision is fixed with sutures.

During reconstructive surgery, the cartilaginous base is recreated. The costal cartilage of the patient is used as a material. Next, a "pocket" is formed to create an ear. In the last step, the ear itself is formed and inserted. After the operation, over time, the stitches dissolve, there are almost no traces of incisions.

Rehabilitation period

After otoplasty, the recovery process is quick. There is almost no pain syndrome, the seams heal quickly. Some patients complain of headaches and numbness of the ears. These symptoms go away quickly.

To relieve pain, in the early days, the doctor prescribes analgesics. If the otoplasty was done in the traditional way, then the stitches will be removed on day 10, with laser surgery - after a week. After a few days, you can return to your usual rhythm of life.

Results before and after otoplasty

Features of otoplasty for children. At what age can you do

At the 3rd month of pregnancy, the baby's ear is formed, by six months - the auricle. Lop-ear can be seen immediately after birth. At this time, such a defect can be corrected without surgery, since the cartilage at this time is soft and amenable to correction.

If during the first six months of life, lop-earedness is not corrected "manually", then further the cartilage becomes dense and correction is possible only with the help of otoplasty.

By the age of 8, the auricle is fully formed, but still quite flexible. The technique and duration of otoplasty depends on several factors:

• on the degree of deviation of the auricle from the head;
• if an injury, then on the degree of its severity;
• the readiness of the child.

Aesthetic otoplasty (lop-eared) lasts no more than 2 hours. Children are advised to undergo surgery using general anesthesia, since it is not easy for a child to be motionless for a long time. Local anesthesia is used during surgery for adolescents.

Mild sedatives are used for anesthesia, so the child will not feel pain after the anesthesia.After the operation, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor for another day, the adult is released after 2-3 hours.

Up to 2 weeks you need to wear a bandage, then for another 1 month wear it at night (so as not to injure the seams) You cannot wash your hair for several days. For 1-2 weeks the child is exempt from physical education.

The doctor may recommend medications, depending on the situation. If you follow all the instructions of the surgeon, then there can be no complications. Rehabilitation is fast.

The cost of otoplasty in clinics in Moscow. What determines the price

There are more than 80 plastic surgery clinics in Moscow where otoplasty can be performed. The price depends on the volume, complexity and technology of the otoplasty. The laser method is more expensive.

The value of the cost is influenced by the applied anesthesia. General anesthesia is more expensive than local anesthesia. The average cost starts at 15,000 rubles. There is a separate fee for the consultation. Table of prices for otoplasty in clinics in Moscow

Among Moscow clinics, one can distinguish: The Diagnostic and Treatment Center of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a network of medical centers SM-Clinic, ON-Clinics - a network of multidisciplinary medical centers, the Nixor Clinic Family Medical Center in Khimki.

The best clinics and surgeons. What to look for when choosing

Usually, when choosing a place for otoplasty, most have two goals: high quality and low price. To achieve the optimal balance, you need to know what constitutes the price of the operation.

• Clinic status is of great importance. A medical center with many years of experience gives a guarantee of quality work. The price will rightly be higher. Young clinics can also provide quality service, but this is to some extent risky;
• Surgeon qualification... The services of an experienced, well-known specialist will cost more;
• Otoplasty method... Laser will cost more;
• Anesthesia cost and the severity of the operation also affects the final price

Choosing a well-known clinic, it is assumed that the main part of the cost of the operation is the "luxury" service. Otoplasty is considered to be the most demanded plastic surgery in the world.

Prices in Russia are lower than European and world prices. Prices for otoplasty depend on each specific case. They are determined after consultation with the surgeon.

Answers to popular questions

Bandage after otoplasty. How much to wear it

It is recommended to wear a special bandage for the first 2 weeks. It fixes the ears, and cotton wool with special oil promotes rapid tissue regeneration.

A bandage must be worn at night for a month to protect the stitches from accidental damage.

Also, for 4 weeks, you can not visit the pool, bathhouse, limit sports. Finally, the auricles heal within 6 months. It is recommended to sleep on a high pillow to avoid swelling.

Unsuccessful otoplasty. Consequences, possible complications and why they happen

Otoplasty is considered a safe operation, there are almost no complications. Negative consequences can occur if the doctor's recommendations are not followed. Complications due to the surgeon's error are possible.

Otoplasty - does it hurt, is anesthesia done?

The auricle reshaping operation is performed mainly under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is recommended for children under 14 years of age. Pain is usually not bothering. After the operation, you can go home in 2-3 hours.

Is otoplasty possible without surgery?

Congenital lop-earedness can be corrected without surgery only at the age of six months. The cartilage was then still very soft, which could be corrected by hand.

An adult can hide their lop-eared ears under a hairdo or headdress.For example, the famous Julia Roberts is not at all shy about her protruding ears. If there is no complex, then you can do without plastic.

Are there any stitches after otoplasty?

After otoplasty, the sutures dissolve in about 1 year. The incisions are made on the back of the ear, so no marks are visible. If the lobe is stitched, the stitches gradually dissolve and disappear.

Swelling after otoplasty

The main recommendation of doctors regarding the elimination of edema is the advice that in the first days after the operation it is necessary to sleep on a high pillow.

Is it possible to do otoplasty for free or with a special offer?

Many clinics hold promotions, according to which otoplasty can be done with a big discount (up to 60%) or even partially paying for the service. Information about such events can be found on the websites of medical clinics.

On a free basis, the operation is carried out exclusively in state clinics for patients who need to restore the auricle due to deformation as a result of trauma.

Stars before and after otoplasty

There are many people known to the world who have done otoplasty. Among them is the Hollywood actor Brad Pitt... Despite the fact that he denies ear correction, his fans argue that this fact can be easily traced by studying the photos of the star at the very beginning of his career and after a few years.

Russian actress Evgeniya Kryukova on the contrary, she does not hide the fact that for a long time she experienced inconvenience because of her protruding ears. Before the operation, I tried to hide the defect with adhesive plaster and special glue.

Famous singer Beyoncé for a long time I had complexes about big ears. Having made the plastic, she was pleased with the result, and does not hide it from the fans.

The young singer Rihanna has repeatedly turned to the services of a plastic surgeon. She performed otoplasty at a young age, but from time to time she still uses the services of aesthetic surgeons.

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