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Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape or to reduce the size of large ears, or to “pin back” prominent ears closer to the head. Otoplasty is considered to be medically indicated for the correction of ears that protrude more than 20 mm and at an angle greater than 35° from the scalp. In children with severely prominent ears, the procedure is done early in life between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Timing is always an important consideration. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement. In children with more minor deformities, the family may wish to wait until the child is older and can participate in the decision. Ears are almost fully grown by age four and, for the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Parents should consider that the earlier the surgery, the less the child will have to endure teasing and self consciousness.
Adults may also benefit from ear surgery and may choose to combine the procedure with other facial cosmetic surgery. There are generally no additional risks associated with otoplasty on an older patient, however the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same moulding capacity as in children.
Click on the links below to read more about;
- THE SURGERY
- RISK FACTORS
- PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
- POST OPERATIVE RECOVERY
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