What are the different types of otoplasty?

 Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery, is an invasive procedure which is used to redefine the size, shape, position, and the projection of ears. The purpose of otoplasty is to improve their appearance and make them look proportional with the head and the face of the individual.

Ear surgery in Dubai aims to correct birth defects, structural abnormalities, and accidental deformities to give ears an aesthetically appealing appearance. It effectively achieves a balanced and well-proportioned profile for patients who feel insecure about how their ears look.

Types of Otoplasty

Cosmetic ear surgery can take several forms:

Ear Reduction

Ear reduction, as the name suggests, reduces the size of overly large ears. The surgery includes undermining the cartilage of the pinna (or outer wing) of the ear auricle to make it smaller.

Ear Pinning

The goal of ear pinning is to decrease the extent to which your ear stick out from the sides of your head. It involves folding or trimming the excess cartilage of the protruding ears to make them look smarter.

Ear Augmentation

Ear augmentation serves the purpose of increasing the size of ears that are underdeveloped due to different reasons or are naturally small. The surgery gives a balanced look to patients having abnormally small ears.

Expected Benefits

One can expect to obtain the following cosmetic benefits from otoplasty: 

• Resizing of small ears
• Restructuring of excessively folded auricles
•  Readjustment of easily noticeable protrusion
• Reshaping of overly large ears
• Correction of congenital deformities
• Symmetrical and well-proportioned ears
• An overall improved look and body image
• Permanent outcomes
• Scar-less results
• Increased self-esteem

Procedure of the Surgery

The process begins with a detailed consultation session with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who evaluates your condition, medical history, and you suitability for the procedure. This initial session helps them devise a customized plan for your surgery in accordance with your expectations.

On the day of the surgery, Plastic Surgeons start off by administering general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Next, incisions are drawn either behind the ear or along the natural folds to hide the scars later. Cartilage and soft tissue is then manipulated to achieve the targeted goals. For instance, if ear projection is being addressed, Plastic Surgeons folds the cartilage and stitch it in place or remove it altogether to reduce its protrusion. Similarly, in the case of enlarged ears, the incisions are drawn between the helix (outer rim of the ear) and antihelix (inner ridge). The extra flexible connective tissue is then removed along with the skin.

Finally, the incisions are closed with the help of sutures and the treated sites are bandaged to fix the changes. The surgery usually takes about 1 to 3 hours in total.

Recovery Phase

Most patients are able to return to daily routine within 7 to 10 days of otoplasty. During recovery, they are advised to take the prescribed painkillers and avoid lying on their sides as it puts unnecessary pressure on the wounds. Your Provider may also advise you to wear a headband while you sleep.

Need Help?

If you are interested in seeking advice or knowing more about otoplasty in Dubai, feel free to contact the Al Shunnar patient care team. Our coordinators will readily schedule a personal consultation session for you with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.