There are often situations when the human body has some disadvantages. You can put up with some, others can easily be corrected with the help of plastic surgery. One of these defects is a change in the shape of the auricle . Otoplasty is a way to get rid of deafness and deformation of the lobe (both congenital and acquired due to trauma).
Human ear anatomy
The outer ear consists mainly of cartilage. The fabric is tightly attached to the front, behind - more loosened. As a rule, the ear is located at a certain angle - 20-30 °. Such anatomical units are distinguished in the structure of the ear: curl, antihelix, scaphoid fossa, upper and lower legs. Cartilage is attached to the skull using ligaments. The ear also has muscles (external and internal). As a rule, they do not function.
An exception are some people who know how to move their ears. The blood supply to the hearing organs comes from the temporal and auricular arteries, the lymphatic flow occurs through the parotid and cervical lymph nodes. There are abnormalities of the auricle, such as resizing (too small or large ears), deformation of the cartilage, a change in the angle of its location, etc. After otoplasty, the ears have a more aesthetic appearance, in some cases, damaged or missing cartilage can be completely restored.
Types of otoplasty
Depending on the goal pursued, aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the ears is distinguished . The first is aimed at eliminating aesthetic defects. Reconstructive otoplasty is an operation whose goal is to restore the auricle. It can take place in several stages, during which the doctor creates the ear frame, sets the ear directly. This is followed by a period of engraftment. It lasts about six months. At the final stages, the specialist simulates the shape of the organ of hearing, the earlobe, the tragus. Several types of ear plastics are also distinguished, depending on the method of conduction.
The oldest and most common method is scalpel surgery. However, it has a number of significant drawbacks: surgery lasts more than 2 hours, the rehabilitation period is also considerable. In addition, scars often remain at the site of the incision. A more modern method is laser otoplasty. This is an operation in which incisions are made with a laser beam. Its advantages are obvious: a short recovery period, the absence of scars.
However, radio wave plastic is considered an innovative method of plastic surgery. This is not a traumatic method, the blood is practically absent due to the use of radio waves as an instrument for cutting. Moreover, due to its bactericidal properties, the rehabilitation period does not exceed three weeks.
Indications and contraindications for surgery
The main indications for otoplasty are all kinds of defects in the outer ear. In particular, this is lop-eared, asymmetrical auricles, lack of relief on them, and a large lobe. Otoplasty (photo below) completely solves such cosmetic nuances. However, like every surgical intervention, the operation has its contraindications. It is not carried out in case of violation of blood coagulation, malignant processes in the body. Also, otoplasty is contraindicated during the course of somatic diseases. AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis (B, C) do not allow surgical intervention.
Preoperative examination and analysis
First of all, a plastic surgeon carefully examines both auricles. It determines the size and ratio between its main components: curl, anti-curl, lobe and directly the sink. It is necessary to carefully measure all the main parameters and distances, to take preoperative photographs. It is worth noting that often the specialist recommends an operation on both organs of the hearing (even if defects are on one of them). This allows you to more correctly restore and maintain the symmetry of the ears.
Next, the patient passes the necessary tests (blood, urine). It is necessary to warn the specialist in advance about the presence of allergies, taking certain medications. An electrocardiogram is mandatory. This is necessary to evaluate the functioning of the cardiac system. It is recommended to abstain from smoking at least a few weeks before the proposed operation. Nicotine makes it difficult to heal wounds and cuts.
How is surgery performed?
This operation begins with cutting the ear at the back (in the place of the natural fold). Next, the required amount of cartilage, skin is removed. In some cases, the cartilage tissue is cut off, a new shape of the auricle is modeled. If necessary, the cartilage moves to a different position, closer to the skull. Next, fixation is done with sutures. They are usually fixed, permanent. Correction of the lobe is performed using small incisions, which are then stitched together. The duration of the operation depends on the chosen technique and the degree of complexity of the correction. At the end of the surgery, cotton wool (impregnated with mineral oil) is applied to the grooves of the organ. The ears are covered with gauze napkins, a bandage is put on top.
Postoperative period
After otoplasty, pain medication is recommended. You may also need a course of antibiotics to exclude various inflammatory processes due to infection. If the operation was performed on a child, it is worth limiting his physical activity for several weeks. Certain side effects may occur after otoplasty. Patient reviews suggest that in the early days there is weakness, nausea, swelling, bruising. Also, complaints of headaches are often received. Numbness in the ears is also possible. But, as a rule, the condition improves after a few weeks. To reduce edema, you can use an extra pillow so that the head is constantly raised. It is also mandatory to wear a special dressing (up to two weeks after surgery).
Possible risks of surgery
Although otoplasty is a fairly well-tolerated operation, some complications may still occur. Blood, fluid may accumulate under the skin, which requires new surgical intervention. Also, during surgery, bleeding may occur, there is a possibility of infection in the wound (after this tissue scarring occurs). In some cases, numbness is observed, which does not pass over time. Another negative consequence of the operation is a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin in the ear area. In addition, if the operation was performed on one sink, the patient may not like the results (due to the asymmetry, which is often observed in the postoperative period).
Otoplasty. Reviews after surgery
This operation allows you to fix many visible cosmetic defects. Most women are grateful to plastic surgeons, as they have the ability to wear a variety of tall hairstyles, and not just loose hair. This operation is also carried out for children from 5 years old, this helps to prevent the development of complexes about their appearance and to avoid ridicule from peers.
The right choice of clinic and specialist will make it possible to easily undergo surgery. The risk of complications with otoplasty is quite low, patients can feel only slight discomfort and certain discomfort associated with the need to change wipes and wear a special bandage. However, almost all of them are unanimous in their opinion: after otoplasty ears become beautiful, symmetrical and this effect lasts for life.