Otoplasty

Ears do not represent a site of particular interest in one's face until they do not take on peculiar shapes or sizes.
When the auricle appears particularly detached from the skull, it can often represent a problem, especially for children. Many people grow their hair in order not to show this anomaly. Modern plastic surgery, through a series of different corrective procedures, can improve the look of the ears.
Such interventions are devised from time to time according to the patient's needs, while the surgical technique is explained so as to obtain an informed consent from the patient. In the case of under age subjects, all the explanations will be given in the presence of their parents.

Surgical technique

Anyone who is interested in a corrective operation on the ear, either for him/herself or for a child, should refer to a competent plastic surgeon.
During the first consultation the surgeon will evaluate what kind of procedure could be the most suitable to the specific case. Incisions made to re-shape the chonca of the auricle, which is made up of skin and cartilage, are performed behind the ear and the scars that will result will not be visible on the anterior surface of the ear. The cartilage of the chonca might be partially removed and molded by means of permanent suture stitches. The cutis behind the ear will be sutured and soft bandages will be put on to protect and secure the ear in its new position for a few days.

Anesthesia

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, unless the patient doesn't need some sedation, due to age or specific psychological conditions.

Duration of the procedure

The procedure takes about 1 hour.

Hospital stay

Patients will be able to go home a few hours after the procedure.