Otoplasty

According to Mayo Clinic, otoplasty can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size — usually after age 5 — through adulthood. It is typically considered when someone is bothered by how far their ears stick out from the head, or when one or both ears are misshapen because of an injury or a condition present at birth.

For children, it is important that they are healthy, free of chronic ear infections, and able to communicate how they feel and cooperate during the process. At your personalized consultation at Healthcare by the Sea, your specialist will review your history and goals to confirm whether the procedure suits your case — a convenient option for patients traveling from the U.S. and Canada.

Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in our modern facilities. According to Mayo Clinic, it may be done with sedation and local anesthesia, or under general anesthesia, which is often recommended for younger children. The surgery typically takes about two hours.

The technique depends on the correction needed. In general, the surgeon makes incisions on the backs of the ears or within their inner creases — areas that help keep scars discreet — may remove excess cartilage and skin, and then folds the cartilage into the proper position, securing it with internal stitches; additional stitches close the incisions. In most cases, patients are discharged the same day.

Before surgery, your specialist will review your medical history — especially any past ear infections — examine your ears, and talk with you about your expectations. Depending on your case, you will likely need to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements in the days before surgery, as they can increase bleeding.

If you smoke, you will be advised to stop before surgery and during recovery, since smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow healing. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night. If you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta, our team can help you plan your visit and will stay close to you at every step.

After otoplasty, your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support. Some discomfort and itching are normal during the first days; your doctor may recommend pain medication to keep you comfortable. Avoid sleeping on your side, and try not to rub the incisions or put pressure on them — button-down shirts or loose collars can help.

A few days after surgery, your doctor will remove the bandages; your ears will likely look swollen and red at first. For a few weeks you may need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night, to keep you from pulling on them when you turn in bed. Most patients notice the change in the appearance of their ears once the bandages come off, and your specialist will tell you when to resume your activities based on your case.

Go to the emergency room if you develop a high fever, heavy bleeding, pain that worsens despite medication, or signs of infection around the surgical site, and notify the doctor who performed your procedure as soon as possible.

Medical reference source: Mayo Clinic.