Otoplasty Surgery

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.

More information about this procedure can be found here

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