Objective:
to remodel the ears and make the face more harmonious.

Some deformities are of genetic origin, as in the case of “flappy ears”, or rather, prominent ears. Common in adults, but frequent in children, it occurs when the lateral edge of the ear, called the helix, is too far from the head, protruding the member – this is due to a malformation of the anti-helix, which is the elevation from within the ear. Thus, Otoplasty, or Joint Pavilion Surgery, aims to correct the aesthetics of the ears, making the face more harmonious and bringing more natural beauty to the patient.

The purpose of this procedure in children is to avoid embarrassment, bullying among schoolmates, and also preventing future psychological problems. In this case, the ideal age for the surgery is from 6 or 7 years old, as the ear is already formed. In approximately 2 hours and through local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, the doctor makes an incision behind the ear and removes excess malformed cartilage, giving it a new shape and treating very large ears (macrotia, a rare condition), protruding or when the adult is dissatisfied with previous surgery.

Preoperative: before the procedure, the patient answers a questionnaire about his lifestyle, his health, and expectations. At the consultation, laboratory tests are requested and based upon the results, recommendations are provided for taking or pausing the use of certain medications as well as for adjusting the doses of the routine medications being taken; also, the patient is advised to stop smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages days before surgery – it is also important to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants and natural remedies. Absolute fasting of 8 hours is required on the day before the surgery (solid and liquid foods).

Postoperative: after the procedure, the doctor prescribes the needed medications to optimize the cicatrization process as well as to prevent infections. Regarding children, one should have greater monitoring and patience on those days after surgery. The next day, it is advised to use a compression band for 4 weeks and the patient can return to normal activities, such as school or work, within a week. The most impactful activities, such as sports, need to wait a period of one to two months.