What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a surgical procedure designed to correct ear deformities or aesthetic dissatisfaction. The surgery involves reshaping the ear cartilage, adjusting its angle, and, when necessary, removing excess skin to achieve a natural and proportionate appearance.

Indications for Otoplasty

Otoplasty is indicated for patients who:

• Have protruding or misshaped ears.

• Experience self-consciousness or social discomfort due to ear appearance.

• Desire a more harmonious alignment of ears with the face.

Age Considerations:

• Recommended from 8 years old, when ear development is complete.

• Can be performed at any age in adults.

• Early intervention can prevent social or emotional difficulties related to protruding ears.

How Does Otoplasty Work?

Otoplasty is typically performed in three stages:

1. Preparation:

   • Preoperative evaluation and clinical analysis by a plastic surgeon.

   • Surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (children) or local anesthesia with sedation (adults) in a hospital setting.

2. Execution:

   • An incision is made behind the ear, following its natural fold.

   • Cartilage is reshaped, weakened, or partially removed to adjust size and flexibility.

   • Stitches are placed to maintain the ear in its new position.

   • Excess skin may be removed if necessary.

3. Recovery:

   • Skin stitches are removed after 10–14 days or are absorbable.

   • A compression band is worn to support the ear in its new position.

   • Patients can resume daily activities within a week.

   • Postoperative discomfort is generally minimal.

Contraindications

Otoplasty is not recommended for patients with:

• Uncontrolled medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or other health issues.

• Inadequate health status that prevents safe surgery.

Otherwise, most patients can safely undergo the procedure.

Results of Otoplasty

• Immediate Effect: Visible improvement in ear shape and position after the first few days.

• Swelling Reduction: Approximately 90% within the first two weeks.

• Final Outcome: Near-final results visible around one month post-surgery.

Scarring

• Incisions are hidden behind the ear, within the natural groove, making scars almost imperceptible.

• Even in techniques involving small anterior incisions, scars are minimal due to thin skin in the area.

Anesthesia and Surgery Time

• Children: Usually general anesthesia.

• Adults: Local anesthesia with or without sedation.

• Surgery Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

• Hospital Stay: Usually a few hours, depending on anesthesia type and patient age.

Postoperative Pain and Care

• Mild discomfort may occur post-surgery and can be managed with standard painkillers.

• Compression band and proper wound care are essential for optimal results.