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Revised April, 2024 – Resource, International Patient Center
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ABOUT OTOPLASTY IN TURKEY
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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF EAR PROBLEMS?
1- Other Ear Problems…
There are many ear problems that can be corrected by plastic surgery methods other than the scoop ear. These can be listed as the downward and forward curl of the ear tip, called “lop ear” by its medical names, the “cupped ear”, which usually occurs in a small size, and the “shell ear”, which is characterized by a bend in the outermost curve of the ear and the loss of natural folds and cavities. With plastic surgery methods, wide and tense ears and large stripes on the earlobes can also be corrected. Plastic surgeons can even reconstruct ears that are not congenital or have been lost after trauma.
On the other hand, in some cases, the scar tissue remaining after the correction process may cause more discomfort than the probelmin itself. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon the necessary questions about the most appropriate type of operation to be performed in special cases.
2- More natural-looking ears…
Most patients, whether young or old, feel great satisfaction after ear surgery. However, it should not be forgotten that the goal is improvement, not perfection. You should not expect that both of your ears do not have perfect symmetry, because it is unlikely that there are two extremely similar ears, as well as it does not look natural. If you have exchanged opinions with your plastic surgeon about the surgical procedure and your expectations before the operation, you will be more likely to be satisfied with the result.
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OTOPLASTY EAR PROCEDURE
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For the otoplasty ear surgery in Turkey hospitals usually takes from 2-3 hours using local anesthetic to numb the ear and a sedative to relax the patient. The surgery will start by the surgeon making marks where the incisions will be made. Hair will be secured not to interfere while having the surgery. The surgeon will follow the pre-marked incision lines and close them with non removable sutures. If the ear needs to be enlarged or created the surgeon will take cartilage or bone from another part of the body. A dressing will be applied to protect wounds and keep the ears secure.
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SUITABLE PATIENTS FOR OTOPLASTY
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Otoplasty is suitable for almost everyone from children to elderly who is at a healthy condition. It may be harder for people with health issues like diabetes, asthma or heart problems to have the surgery as they can cause problems during surgery and at recovery.
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BEFORE OTOPLASTY EAR SURGERY
- If patients are planning to have a hair cut then they shall do so 3 weeks before the surgery.
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- Patients should stop taking any medication or herbal supplements 2 weeks before the surgery.
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- Patients must quit smoking and other nicotine products like tobacco or the patch.
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- Patients must stop drinking alcohol 1 week before the surgery.
. - Do not drink or eat anything after midnight before the surgery.
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AFTER OTOPLASTY EAR SURGERY
- Patients are usually sent home a few hours after the surgery but children patients under the age of 8 can be kept in overnight until the general anesthesia is completely worn off.
. - Activity must be limited after the surgery.
. - Patients must not drink alcohol for a minimum of a week after the surgery.
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- Patients should take medication prescribed by the surgeon correctly and on time to reduce pain.
. - Children patients can return to school a week after the surgery but not take part in any activities such as sport as it can cause a trauma to the ear for at least a month.
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RISKS OF OTOPLASTY EAR SURGERY
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Just like every surgery Otoplasty has some risks as well such as;
- Scarring
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- Asymmetry in ear placement
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- Overcorrection
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- Bleeding
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- Infection
. - Reaction to anesthesia
. - Allergic reaction
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DEFINITION OF OTOPLASTY
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Local anesthesia – induces absence of sensation to a specific part of the body.
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Incision – surgical cut made in the skin during surgery or treatment.
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Hematoma – Self dissolving stitches – stitches, which are eventually absorbed by the body so there is no need for the removal of sutures.
General anesthesia – variety of medications given to ensure unconsciousness, loss of control of reflexes. The patient is put to sleep to not feel any pain or discomfort.
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FIRST DAY
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The patients will attend a consultation with the surgeon and will be advised about the procedure and their condition. The patient will then be taken through a couple of tests that are required before the surgery. If desired, patients can spend the day to rest and attend the hospital the next day.
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SECOND DAY
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Otoplasty surgery will be performed. The surgery will be performed using general anesthesia for patients under the age of 8 and local anesthetic for patients over the age of 8. The surgery will take between 2 to 3 hours to perform. Otoplasty is done on an outpatient basis. Once the surgery is over the patient will be taken to a private room where they will be staying in hospital for resting. The surgeon will perform a check up and if they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results are all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to be discharged from hospital to their settlements. Patients under the age of 8 may be required to spend the night of the day of surgery.
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THIRD DAY
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Patients will attend a post surgery appointment for a final check up and consultation. The patient will be advised on further medication. There is no need for the removal stitches as the surgery is done using non removal sutures and they will eventually fall out. If everything is right, then the patient is ready to return to their destination; unless patients undergo other surgeries together with Otoplasty, which require for them to stay longer.
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1. What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the surgery to improve the appearance of the ear.
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2. How is Otoplasty done?
For children under the age of 8 the surgery is done using general anesthesia and for patients over the age of 8, the surgery is done using light sleep anesthesia. Incisions are placed behind the ear so there are no visible scars.
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3. Who can have Otoplasty?
Otoplasty surgery is suitable for almost everyone who is at a good health condition. Children over the age of 4 and elder people are able to have Otoplasty.
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4. When can I return to work?
Patients usually return to work or school within 5-7 days after the surgery. Initial recovery usually takes from 5 to 7 days.
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5. Can children have Otoplasty?
Children are able to have Otoplasty from the age of 4. Children under the age of 8 have the surgery with general anesthetic and children over the age of 8 have the surgery with local anesthetic.
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6. Are there any risks of Otoplasty?
Patients usually return to work or school within 5-7 days after the surgery. Initial recovery usually takes from 5 to 7 days.
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7. How long do I need to stay in Turkish JCI accredited hospital?
Children patients are kept overnight in hospital for anesthesia to be completely worn off but usually patients are sent home a few hours after the surgery.
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8. How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Yes just like every surgery Otoplasty has some risks as well, even though they are very rare like infection and bleeding.
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9. What are devices used in Otoplasty?
There are no special technical devices used in Otoplasty surgery.
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10. How long should I stay in Turkey to complete full treatment?
Stay in Turkish hospital is 1 day on outpatient basis and 3 days in Turkey.
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