Ear correction (otoplasty) is a surgical operation aimed at giving the cartilaginous part of the turbinates the correct shape by modeling its individual elements. Protruding ears can cause complexes and low self-esteem, and in the case of children, they are often the cause of teasing at school. If it is necessary to perform ear correction in children, it is recommended to perform it when the patient is between 7 and 14 years of age. This is due to the fact that the ear is just shaping up earlier, and at the same time the earlier the operation is performed, the better its effects.

Ear surgery at the Medical Clinic Podhale Art in Zakopane is always preceded by a consultation with a doctor who conducts an interview with the patient (or the child’s guardian), and then discusses the expectations regarding the effects of the procedure, the scope of surgical procedures and postoperative care. At the end, the date of the procedure is set. Before the operation, the patient must be in good general health and undergo the following examinations:

• bleeding and blood clotting time (coagulation system),
• morphology with smear, blood type,
• ionogram,
• fasting glucose
• ECG,
• possibly additional tests recommended during the consultation.

It should also be remembered that in the case of women, the date of surgery cannot fall on the period of menstruation.

As with any surgical procedure, ear plastic surgery is not performed in pregnant and breastfeeding patients. Other contraindications include:

• neoplastic and some autoimmune diseases (including collagenosis, i.e. connective tissue diseases),
• skin changes,
• epilepsy,
• vascular blemishes,
• coagulation disorders,
• bacterial or viral infections, colds, herpes,
• ongoing or recently terminated antibiotic therapy.

In the case of ear correction, the use of electronic or metal hearing implants by the Patient is also a contraindication.

Ear correction is a procedure that is performed under local anesthesia, while children are under anesthesia. It consists in reducing the angle of the auricle in relation to the skull by the surgeon. Then the excess skin is cut out and the cartilage is modeled (sometimes a fragment of it is removed). Thanks to this, it is possible to recreate the correct anatomical structure. Then, continuous seams are applied to the back surface of the pinna. They are placed in such a place that the postoperative scars are completely invisible.

The effect of the correction procedure is the improvement of the symmetry of the face, the reduction of the degree of deviation of the turbinates and the resulting improvement of the patient’s appearance and well-being.

• 4 weeks before the operation, hormonal medications (contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) should be discontinued.
• 3 weeks before the procedure, you should give up smoking.
• 2 weeks before surgery, drugs that affect blood clotting and drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) should be discontinued.
• If the procedure will be performed under general anesthesia, the patient must be on an empty stomach, i.e. cannot eat, drink or even chew gum for 6 hours before the procedure.
• 3 days before the procedure, you cannot use NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Ketonal, Ibuprom, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Paracetamol and Pyralgins.

In addition, it is imperative to follow your doctor’s instructions.

As with any procedure under anesthesia, the patient may be slightly weakened and distracted, but generally may leave the clinic on the same day. After plastic surgery, the ears may be slightly bruised and swollen for a few days.

Convalescence takes about 10 days. During this time, you should not wash your hair and wet the seams. It is recommended to protect the treated area for about a month. Avoid sun, frost, swimming in the pool or using the sauna. For about 3-4 days, the postoperative wounds may cause a burning or pulling sensation.

Ear correction at the Medical Clinic Podhale Art in Zakopane is performed by experience plastic surgeons. We cordially invite you to consultations and treatments.