Otoplasty is a surgery performed to correct
this defect. The procedure implies a small incision
made in the back of the ear, sometimes removing
part of the prominent convex cartilage from
the back of the ear. Afterwards, the cartilage
is bent back toward the head. Generally, the
surgery is performed on children between the
ages of 4 to 14.
EAR SURGERY:
 |
Lengh of the procedure: 1.5 to
2 hrs
Type of anesthesia: local plus sedation or general
Hospital staying: 4 to 6 hrs
Postoparative stay in Costa Rica: 7 days |
Some girls and boys have a congenital ear defect
called “prominent” ears. It causes
psychological problems during infancy for most
of the time, their classmates make fun of them
and they are victims of constant teasing.
Otoplasty is a surgery performed to correct
this defect. The procedure implies a small incision
made in the back of the ear, sometimes removing
part of the prominent convex cartilage from
the back of the ear. Afterwards, the cartilage
is bent back toward the head. Generally, the
surgery is performed on children between the
ages of 4 to 14.
The type of anesthesia used for the surgery
largely depends on the age of the patient. Dr.
Chavarría usually recommends general
anesthesia for younger patients, allowing them
to sleep all through the process; for older
patients, local anesthesia can be utilized,
depending on their preference.
The length of the surgery depends on the type
of problem which is being treated but it usually
takes from 2 to 3 hours.
The most usual technique involves the making
of a small incision in the back of the ear,
following the natural fold where the ear meets
the head. This exposes the cartilage which needs
to be sculpted. Once it is reshaped and bended
towards the head, stitches are used to close
the incision and to aid in the preservation
of the new shape. In some cases, a larger piece
of cartilage can be removed, giving the ear
a more natural-looking fold.
For other issues, a similar incision is made
but skin is removed and stitches are utilized
to fold the cartilage back on itself, thus,
reshaping the ear without the need to remove
any cartilage.
Once the incisions are closed, Doctor Chavarría
will wrap your head in a bulky bandage, which
will help with the healing and molding.
Generally, an otoplasty procedure leaves a
faint scar at the back of the ear, which disappears
with time. Patients can go home within a few
hours after the operation.
After an ear surgery, Dr. Chavarria usually
recommends a recovery period of at least 8 days
that you will have to spend in Costa Rica. Take
into consideration that the time you spend in
the country can be expanded to your needs especially
if you wish to go on a little vacation before
having surgical treatment performed and take
the opportunity to see some of our natural wonders.
The price of an otoplasty surgery varies from
patient to patient thus, an initial consultation
with Dr. Chavarría is essential before
deciding if you will benefit from this treatment.
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