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Often people are faced with such a problem as drooping ears. Girls, of course, are much easier, because you can hide the defect of the ears behind a beautiful hairstyle. But what about those who do not have long hair? In such cases, you need to seek the help of specialists.
Lop-earedness is a defect that has been going on since birth. This happens as a result of a high ear cup, a well-defined antihelix, varying degrees of underdevelopment of the lateral crura, or all factors combined.
There are several ways to correct deformed ears. When choosing, the specialist is guided by the type of deformation and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Today, there is a wide variety of correction of protruding ears. Which method is right for you, a qualified plastic surgeon can advise.
What are the advantages of plastic surgery to correct protruding ears?
The main goal of such procedures is to save the patient from external defects that cause a lot of unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations.
Firstly, plastic surgery allows you to correct broken proportions, mainly this is a wide upper distance from the head to the auricle. Secondly, correctly place the curls in relation to the anti-helix. Ideally, the first ones should peek out a little. Thirdly, specialists align the contour of the antihelix along the entire length of the auricle.
If everything is done correctly, after plastic surgery, the patient’s behind-the-ear recess will significantly decrease, while the shape will remain the same. And most importantly, the doctor can achieve the correct symmetry of both auricles. In this case, one sink adapts to the other.
As we have already said, lop-earedness is a congenital problem, so it needs to be solved even in childhood. The ideal option for such operations is six to seven years. It was at this time that the auricles were already fully formed.
How can deafness be corrected?
It is good that our medicine does not stand still. Today, there are many ways that can effectively eliminate all defects associated with the ears.
Basically, the choice of technique is carried out by a specialist. He conducts special analyzes, measurements and external examination. Based on these data, the doctor makes a choice that will be effective for this particular case.
There are two types of deafness elimination methods:
- Conservative. In this case, doctors solve the problem with defects without the use of surgical interventions.
- Operational. This is a direct operation using non-absorbable sutures.
You can notice lop-earedness from birth, so all responsibility lies with the parents. After all, if they start dealing with this issue in time, it will be possible to avoid surgical intervention. But, as a rule, everyone expects that protruding ears will fall into place with age, but this happens in isolated cases.
If even in the maternity hospital, doctors noticed a significant defect, then they immediately put silicone molds on the newborn, which will put the auricles in the right position. If time has been lost, the only reliable way to correct protruding ears is the intervention of a surgeon.
It is worth noting that an independent solution to this problem can lead to serious consequences, including hearing loss. Therefore, if you notice that your child has protruding ears, then do not hesitate and seek help from a qualified specialist.
Correction of protruding ears with surgery
Surgery to correct protruding ears is called otoplasty, which is safe and uncomplicated.
With the help of otoplasty, specialists correct the location of the auricle and correct its shortcomings. As a rule, the disadvantages are the shape and size of the ears. This operation is ideal for both adult and small patients.
Before starting to correct the shape and size of the auricles, it is necessary to study all the tests given by the patient and assess his general condition. At the same time, specialists evaluate each auricle separately, since deformations can be of varying degrees and types.
First of all, the doctor measures all the necessary parameters of the ears that are needed for the operation. It is very important to correlate the angles of contact with the head. The doctor also takes several pictures to make it easier to evaluate the result later.
Unfortunately, there are some contraindications that prevent patients from such procedures. Otoplasty is not performed for patients with: impaired blood clotting, chronic pathologies of internal organs; lack of the hormone insulin; inflammatory and infectious diseases.
If the above points are not present, then you can begin to prepare for the elimination of ear defects. There are no special preparatory procedures. The doctor checks all the tests and the condition of the ears. Remember that before starting the procedure, you need to clean your ears. You should also refrain from taking certain medications.
In medical practice, there are two types of otoplasty.
The first is that the auricles move back. To return the auricle to its normal position, it is necessary to make several incisions in the lateral edges, and then fix it with sutures.
In a standard situation, the auricles move as a result of the displacement of the periosteum and the back surface. Through the cartilage, doctors pass a special suture made of a material that does not dissolve. Such seams will fix the auricles in the right direction.
The second technique is designed to correct the deformity of the antihelix. This is done by holding non-absorbable sutures or cartilage corrugation. In advanced cases, you can combine everything together. It is the sutures that determine the final placement of the auricles and change the irregular cartilage structure.
The choice of technique depends on individual characteristics and test results.
Rehabilitation period
After plastic surgery, no matter what method it was performed, doctors apply a bandage to maintain the position of the auricle.
Patients often develop swelling after surgery. To avoid this, it is necessary to make lotions on the operated area. The lotion is made from cotton wool and mineral oil.
The bandage is applied for approximately 7-10 days. During this period, it absolutely cannot be removed, otherwise the auricle will not be able to lock in the desired position. In order not to accidentally damage the auricle at night, doctors recommend sleeping with a bandage for a month.
If you follow all medical recommendations, you can avoid serious consequences.