Generally, we do not consider that our ears play an important role in our appearance. Rarely judged, they remain insignificant unless they are unattractive, outstanding, or great. If your ears are prominent and look abnormal, they can smudge your entire look, casting a shadow over your overall pleasant appearance.
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, appearance or position of the ear, either to correct a defect in the structure of the ear, to treat an injury to the ear that has affected the shape or simply for aesthetic reasons.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is‘Cosmetic ear surgery’ and it has become quite common in both adults and children. It is done to change the position and shape of the ears. In other words, it makes your ears appear less protruding. It has several types, but the most common procedure is to shape the ears, placing them as close to your skull as possible.
Like any other surgical procedure, it has risks, especially for children. Many parents are reluctant to allow their children to undergo such facial surgery due to pain, infections, and symmetry issues.
If you or your child have disproportionately large ears, which are embarrassing to you, otoplasty can be a solid permanent cosmetic solution. However, before making the decision to undergo this procedure, it is essential that you weigh its pros and cons to determine if it is worth it or not.
Advantages of otoplasty
-
Otoplasty is no different from any other reconstructive cosmetic surgery. The goal here is to improve your facial appearance. If your ears are large and seem too far from your skull, surgery can help reshape your ears and make them more proportionate.
-
Being bullied or teased about the shape of your ears is not only common, but it is also emotionally discouraging for a child and an adult’s self-esteem. Bullying can be a major factor behind not liking your own ears. This cosmetic ear surgery will help you and your child regain that lost confidence.
-
Surgery can restore the ear’s original shape if it was injured during an accident.
-
Surgery can help treat different types of defects in the structure of the ear.
-
The results are long-lasting, while the surgery takes very little time, usually being completed in a couple of hours.
Cons of otoplasty
-
Otoplasty involves complications such as bleeding, cartilage infection, skin infection, and prolonged pain.
-
Cosmetic surgery sometimes takes a long healing time, especially for scars to fade or if the patient has health problems such as diabetes.
-
There have been cases of otoplasty in which patients experienced permanent numbness of the face and ears.
-
The surgery depends mainly on the efforts and skills of the GP. If your chosen plastic surgeon is not professional and competent, you may face dangerous side effects after surgery.
-
Although cosmetic ear surgery is permanent, there is a 40 percent chance of a possible relapse.
Bottom line
In conclusion, the idea of otoplasty sounds nice and attractive and has many advantages, but it is essential to consider the disadvantages and side effects associated with it. It is a surgical process and carries the risk of bleeding, pain, and infections that can become major concerns. Therefore, be sure to evaluate the procedures, the recovery process, and the possible results of the surgery by discussing them with your cosmetic surgeon.