Otoplasty ( 'Bat Ear Correction', 'Protruding Ears', 'Ear Pinning' ) This surgical procedure corrects the excessive protrusion of ears from the side of the head. It is also used to carve out the normal folds on the pinna that are sometimes missing in such patients.Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. The operationThe incision for this is placed behind the ear. Soft tissue from behind the ear is taken away to make place for the new position of the ear. The cartilage is carved to create the normal folds. The cartilage is then hitched to the bone behind the ear with non-absorbable sutures. AnaesthesiaI prefer General Anaesthesia so that the patient is completely unaware of all the facial manipulation that is evidently required during this procedure. A large number of patients are of the paediatric age group and would require GA. However, it is easily performed under local anaesthesia with sedation in adults. Hospital stayThis is done as a day care or one day stay procedure. RisksWhile every effort is made to ensure perfect symmetry, this is not always possible due to differences in the ear structure. However, no human being has perfectly symmetrical ears! Post-operative careThe patient leaves the hospital with a protective bandage that is first changed at 48 hrs. The patient is allowed to shower after that including the operated area. Follow up visits are once in 2 or 3 days until stitch removal, which is a week later. Protective headgear must be used for 4 to 6 weeks esp at night. Contact sport is to be avoided for the same period. What to expectBruising and swelling is more apparent on the ear because of the adherence of skin to cartilage. This is normal and subsides over 2 to 3 weeks. Asymmetry will be more apparent in the first few weeks due to surgical swelling. OutcomeIf the expectation is improvement, not perfection, the patient will most likely be pleased with the outcome of the surgery. The results are long lasting.
