Otoplasty
Otoplasty in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Protruding or large ears are some of the most common infant ear deformities, often causing severe psychological distress to both males and females as they grow up. However, such disorders in the ears’ appearance do not cause any functional issues, such as hearing loss.
Prominent or protruding ears (otapostasis) extend more than 2 cm from the head’s side and are typically bilateral. It is a congenital condition, which means it is visible from the time a baby is born.
Studies have shown that this type of ear deformity can be a cause of teasing, especially for children during their school years. Even though surgical ear correction is always an option, firstly, we need to clarify to our kids that any differences in our appearance are features that make us unique. Not something we should feel embarrassed about.
Ears continue to grow until they reach their mature size between ages 5 – 7. Therefore, corrective ear surgery (otoplasty) should be considered after the age of seven or later in life, allowing time for the earlobe to grow sufficiently and people to be mature enough to make an informed decision for themselves.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the shape and size of protruding ears, placing them in a harmonized position with the other facial characteristics.
The problem of prominent ears is anatomical. In most people with protruding ears, the antihelical fold – the Y-shaped cartilage near the outer ear’s center – is underdeveloped or absent or greater than 90°, causing the ear’s outer rim (helix) to stick out.
People with prominent ears also have a large and deep concha – the bowl-shaped space outside the opening of the ear canal -, making the entire ear being pushed away from the head’s side.
Otoplasty is a routine and painless plastic surgery that typically requires just local anesthesia and light sedation. Hospitalization is not necessary for a routine otoplasty.
After the ear plastic surgery, adults and young children can regain their confidence and feel better than ever before with their appearance.
Otoplasty Before & After Photos
What Does Otoplasty Involve?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The ear plastic surgery can be done under local anesthesia and light sedation. A certified anesthesiologist injects local anesthetic into the ear’s skin. As a result, the area becomes numb for about 2 to 3 hours.
Step 2: Incision(s)
Dr. Stavrou uses advanced techniques to hide all incisions behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear meets the head.
Step 3: Ear Correction Procedure
There are several techniques to perform ear correction, with Mustarde’ and Davis procedures being the most prominent ones. Skilled plastic surgeons can combine these two techniques when necessary.
- Mustarde’ Procedure: The plastic surgeon creates a proper antihelical fold using specialized sutures which bend behind the ear, resulting in a natural-looking fold. Sutures are the least invasive method for otoplasty surgery.
- Davis Procedure: The plastic surgeon removes excessive conchal bowl cartilage or scratches and reshapes the cartilage to allow the ear to sit closer to the skull.
Step 4: Closing the incision(s)
Dr. Stavrou closes the incisions carefully to ensure minimal scars, hidden at the back of the earlobe.
Duration
1 hour
Anaesthesia Used
Local or General/Sedation
Hospital Stay
Day Surgery
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests
Downtime
1 week
Driving
Next Day
Exercise
2-3 weeks
Final Result
1-2 months
Recovery After Ear Correction Surgery
Recovery after otoplasty depends on the extent of the procedure and any accompanying procedures. The otoplasty intervention is a virtually painless outpatient procedure. Therefore, no hospitalization is required if otoplasty is not combined with other surgical procedures.
Light activities can begin from the first day after the surgery. Adult patients can return to normal activities within a week. Children can return to school after 5-7 days and resume their sports activities after 1-2 months.
All patients should wear a head bandage for the first three days post-op. This postoperative dressing is used to help keep the ears in their new position. In a follow-up visit after 8-10 days, the surgeon will remove the stitches.
The look of the ears will improve gradually in the 4-6 weeks following the surgery, while the results are usually permanent.
Skin care and sun protection are necessary during the recovery period.
What our patients say!
How To Fix Split Earlobes
Split earlobes is traumatic ear injury that occurs gradually because of heavy, large, or forcefully pulled earrings. The plastic surgeon can repair the earlobe by making an incision along the defect and using special sutures to bring together the two edges. The procedure is quick and minor, done under local anesthesia. In a follow-up visit after 4-5 days post-op, the plastic surgeon will remove the stitches.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
Where Will Otoplasty Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs ear correction surgery in accredited medical centers in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
The otoplasty takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses only state-of-the-art medical equipment. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for his patients.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment.
FAQs for Otoplasty
How safe is ear surgery?
Ear surgery for correcting protruding ears is a safe, low-risk, routine surgery performed by many plastic surgeons. A skilled surgeon, though, will ensure a smooth and painless procedure and minimal scarring.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding and adverse reaction to anesthesia. However, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and an accredited plastic surgery clinic diminishes otoplasty risks. Make an appointment with Dr. Stavrou and EIPS staff today to discuss your thoughts and concerns about ear correction surgery.
- Cyprus, Nicosia & Limassol: 70088002 or +357 97873787
- Greece, Athens: +30 6971881572
- Malta, Sliema: +356 79317641
Is an otoplasty worth it?
Protruding ear deformities can cause severe psychological issues to people from an early age since otapostasis is a congenital condition. During the school years, peer pressure and teasing can make children with prominent ears lose their confidence and self-esteem and become distanced.
Therefore, otoplasty helps people restore their confidence and feel comfortable with their look. It is a procedure with a very high satisfaction rate for all ages.
What is the best age for otoplasty?
The minimum age for a person to undergo otoplasty surgery is 5 years old. Between ages 5-7, 90% of our ear growth has been complete. Thus, an ear correction surgery at that age can prevent children from being teased and mocked at school.
Yet, people can undergo ear treatment at any point in their life after age 7. There is no best age for otoplasty; it’s up to the person to decide whether ear correction will make them feel better about themselves and have a positive impact on their lives.
Do insurance companies cover otoplasty?
Insurance companies often consider otoplasty as a cosmetic operation; therefore, they may not cover the cost. Talk to your insurance provider for more information on covered plastic surgeries.
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