Otoplasty

You self-conscious about your ears? Do they protrude or are they slightly deformed? If so, you have ondi tion that can be treated with an operation known as otoplasty .The procedure can make your s s maller or bring them closer to your head, giving them natural curves and contours. Sometimes referred to as "pinning back" the ears, the procedure is considered safe and effective, and in recent years it has become an increasingly popular procedure.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery to the auricle -the outer portion of the ear- usually done to correct protruding ears, the most common complaint of otoplasty patients. Plastic surgeons can also address a range of deformities caused by genetics or injury and can even construct and attach new ears.The procedure has no effect on the inner ear, so you don't need to worry about your hearing being damaged while your ears are being beautified.

The visible part of the ear-the auricle -consists of cartilage, connective tissue, and skin. When an ear protrudes, a section of cartilage may be missing or overde­veloped. Less common ear irregularities can range from asymmetry -when one ear looks markedly different from the other-to a misshapen "cauliflower ear" caused by injury. Other ear abnormalities include:

• Constricted ear: The outer rim is tightened, hooded, or folded.
  
• Cup ear: A type of constricted ear in which the part of the ear folds down, part of it is enlarged, and the ear protrudes.This combination of factors makes the ear look unusually small.
  
• Lobes that are enlarged, stretched, or creased.
  
• Lop ear: Another type of constricted ear in which the top is folded down and forward and the "scooped out" section of the ear is at a right angle to the head. Sometimes called bat ear.
  
• Macrotia: The ear is too big.True macrotia is rare; protrusion is the usual cause of ears appearing too big.
  
• Microtia: The ear is too small.
  
• Shell ear: The fold of the helix and other natural folds and creases are missing.
  
• Stahl's ear: The helix is flattened and the auricle's upper edge is pointed. There may be an extra fold, or the scapha may be bent forward. Sometimes called Spock's ear or Vulcan ear.
  
• Telephone ear: The top and bo tt om of the auricle stick out farther than the rest of the ear.

Types of Otoplasty

Otoplasty may be cartilage sparing or cartilage splitting. Cartilage-sparing techniques may include sculpting cartilage by filing or bending and suturing. Cartilage spli tt ing involves cu tt ing the cartilage; this approach may create angles that disturb the smooth contours of the auricle, especially in adults, if not done well. This surgery produces permanent results.

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