Ear correction – otoplasty – is a surgical operation aimed at imparting the cartilaginous part of turbinates and giving it a desired shape by modeling its individual elements.

The indications for surgery are aesthetic reasons. Protruding ears can cause complexes and low self-esteem and, in the case of children, are often a source of bullying at school. For this reason this procedure is most often performed in children. It can be carried out from 5 to 7 years of age, when the growth of the turbinates is almost complete.

Ear surgery requires consultation with a doctor who conducts it with the patient (or guardian of a child) medical history, then discusses expectations for the future appearance of the ears and scope surgical activities and postoperative care. At the end, the date of the procedure is set.

In order for the operation to be performed, the patient must be in good general health,
previously undergoing examinations indicated by the doctor, such as:

• bleeding and blood clotting time (coagulation system),
• morphology with smear,
• ionogram,
• fasting glucose
• blood group,
• ECG,
• possibly additional tests ordered individually during consultations.

It should also be remembered that for women, the term of the operation cannot fall within the period of menstruation.

Ear correction is a procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. However, in the case of children under general anesthesia. It consists in reducing the angle of the auricle by the surgeon relatively to the skull. Then excess of skin is cut out and the cartilage is modeled (sometimes its fragment is removed). Thanks to this, it is possible to recreate the correct anatomical structure. Then on the back of an ear a continuous seams are applied to the surface of the auricle. They are placed in such a place as the postoperative scars were completely invisible.

• 4 weeks before surgery, hormonal drugs (contraceptives and hormonal drugs) should be discontinued
• 3 weeks before the procedure, you should absolutely give up smoking.
• 2 weeks before the operation, drugs that affect blood clotting and drugs should be discontinued
• containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
• About 3 days before the procedure, you must not take NSAIDs (non-steroidal drugs anti-inflammatory drugs) – such as Ketonal, Ibuprom, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and paracetamol and pyralgines.

Additionally, you must follow the doctor’s instructions.

As with any procedure under anesthesia, the patient may be slightly weak and distracted. Nevertheless, he can leave the clinic on the same day or – in special cases – stay in it one night for observation. Convalescence takes only about 10 days!

During this time, it is absolutely forbidden to wash your head and wet the stitches. Then it is recommended for about a month to protect the treated area. It is important to avoid sun, frost, swimming in a pool or use of the sauna. For about 3–4 days, the postoperative mornings may cause a burning sensation.

Ear correction procedures are carried out by outstanding forms of surgery at the plastic ward of Medical Clinic Podhale. Thanks to their experience, your problem in this area will simply disappear. We invite you for consultation.