subject: Otoplasty: The Basic Overview [print this page] Otoplasty is a form of plastic surgery concerned with the appearance of the ears. Many people don't know this, but the outer ear is comprised entirely of cartilage and has very little impact on an individual's hearing. Because of this, plastic surgeons are able to manipulate and transform this tissue with little to no interference with the patient's ability to hear. There are a number of forms that the surgery takes and a number of issues it can address. Some choose to have the procedure because their ears stick out too far from the head. Others are dissatisfied with the symmetry. Still others need more complex procedures to correct extreme disfiguration, such as what may accompany microtia.
While no official statistics can be quoted, many instances of otoplasty are concerned with patients who wish to pin their ears further back to their head. Protruding ears are highly prominent and can be the source of relentless ridicule for children. For this reason, many parents inquire about their options when their child begins school and is first subject to this ridicule. While being teased about the shape of the ears may not seem particularly important to someone who has forgotten what it was like to be a child themselves (or was mercifully never the subject of bullying or teasing), it can create huge problems with the child's self esteem and create scars that never really go away. No plastic surgery should be entered into lightly, but otoplasty is-to be certain-on the lower risk side of cosmetic enhancement.
Otoplasty is one of the most commonly performed types of plastic surgery for children under the age of 18. This is true for a couple of reasons. For one thing, the cartilage is much more pliable at that age, meaning the chances for dramatic improvement are much greater. Secondly, it is during those school years when the child is going to form much of what becomes their outlook on life. If their childhood is filled with teasing and hurtful comments, they are unlikely to form a strong base of self esteem. This can have a devastating impact on their ability to cope with adulthood.
If you are an individual who feels they could benefit from otoplasty or are the parent of a child who could, you should make an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon near you and discuss the possibilities. Make sure you find one who has experience doing exactly the kind of surgery you want so they will be prepared to answer any questions you might have about the procedure.
