What is autoplasty or ear cosmetic surgery?
Autoplasty or ear cosmetic surgery
What is autoplasty or ear cosmetic surgery?
Many people are unaware of the importance of the effect of ears on facial coordination and symmetry and consider it insignificant. Framing facial features can highlight or significantly reduce the best aspects of our appearance. Even minor adjustments to the ear can have a significant effect, making the face more beautiful and fit.
Ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty, also known as ear reshaping, is an effective surgery for those who suffer from congenital or cosmetic defects. It is one of the oldest cosmetic surgical procedures in the world, dating back to 600 BC, and is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures.
The surgery is simple and usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour for each ear. An incision is made along the natural line of the facial skin (where the ear connects to the head). In some cases (for example, if a person has macrotia; when the ear is larger than normal), cartilage and skin are corrected to achieve the desired appearance.
Most ear cosmetic procedures or autoplasties are performed to correct prominent ears (which make up about 5% of people). For those who have microtia (an immature ear, or no ear), the ear is regenerated. For people undergoing ear deformity surgery, the cartilage is repaired more favorably and secured in place with permanent sutures. By attaching the ear, no cartilage is removed, but the ear is pulled back so that the cartilage remains in its new position. Recovery usually takes between one to several weeks and is associated with few serious complications.
Ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty for children
Ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty is usually performed on children as young as 5 years old whose ears are fully developed to help them adjust to school and be less aware of their condition.
"One of the confusing things that parents struggle with is that this type of surgery is useless, or just cosmetic," says Dr. David Sefenberg, a leading plastic surgeon based in New York City.
Instead, ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty should be considered as a restorative process that restores the appearance to normal and opposes its augmentation. A 2014 study found that children who underwent cosmetic ear surgery or autoplasty experienced significant reductions in anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and aggression.
Ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty for adults
Ear surgery is increasingly common among adults who have long felt uncomfortable with their prominent ears and are often embarrassed for years because of their appearance. Improving aesthetics causes the ears to increase facial symmetry, and the results can be significant for a relatively small operation with a short recovery time.
In general, cosmetic surgery increases a person's self-confidence and can have a significant impact on a person's outlook on life and how he or she interacts with others. Ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty allows patients to enjoy many things, such as tying hair behind the head.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgery found that 95.2% of patients were satisfied with the surgery. The results of surgery are lasting for the rest of your life.
If you have one of the following concerns about your ears, you can benefit from this surgery:
Protrusion or presence of large ears (macrotia)
Long earlobe
Cauliflower ears (as a result of injury)
Hose-shaped ears (horizontally deformed ears- where the outer edge of the cartilage bends down and looks flat)
Deformed ears
Small or not grown ears (Microtia)
Ears that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Damaged or deformed ears (as a result of injury)
Prominent earlobe (as a result of injury)
Necessary procedures before ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty
Like all surgical procedures, this procedure requires pre-surgery preparation to ensure the best results. Your surgeon will provide you with a checklist of preoperative instructions and helpful advice in the weeks leading up to surgery.
Necessary procedures before ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty
You will be taught not to consume anything - liquids or solids - from midnight before surgery. The last meal you eat before surgery should be very light. Avoid drinking water when brushing your teeth. Even an unintentional sip of water can cancel your surgery. This is because anything undigested in the stomach can increase the risk of suffocation during anesthesia.
On the morning of the operation, take a good bath and make sure your skin is clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, or creams. Wear comfortable clothing and make sure you are in the hospital or operating room at the right time to relax.
Most ear cosmetic procedures or autoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis in a building or clinic. When you are ready for surgery, you will be injected with anesthesia depending on the treatment. General anesthesia is standard for larger reconstructive and pediatric surgeries to ensure that patients do not move around during the surgery. Less complex procedures, such as earplugs, may be performed under local anesthesia or venous sedation.
While you are under anesthesia, monitors will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation in your blood. This is the standard method. It is an important issue, your nails must not be stained with nail polish or varnish, and if this is the case, you should clean them, as the colored polish can interfere with reading the oxygen monitor screen (which sticks to a finger).
Recovery and care after ear surgery
Recovery after any surgery depends largely on the type of surgery, general health, and flexibility of the ear. Your surgeon will determine how long you should wait for complete recovery. You will also learn about postoperative care, common symptoms you may experience, and warning signs that may indicate complications.
Immediately after surgery, you will be transferred to the postoperative recovery room, where you will be closely monitored. Most people who undergo ear cosmetic surgery or autoplasty are allowed to go home after a short time, usually several hours.
In some cases, such as larger reconstructive procedures, your surgeon may recommend that you stay overnight in the hospital. When you are allowed to leave the hospital, you will be prescribed medication to minimize infection.
It is important to have a caregiver or friend who can take you home from the surgery site, as you may still feel confused by the use of painkillers, or there may be a lot of pain in your body. For the first twenty-four hours after surgery, having someone to help you can be a big help.
During the first week of recovery, regular rest is required. Rest and sleep heal the body to recover quickly. Experts recommend that you lie in a supine position with your head up. Avoid resting on the operated ear as this will cause tingling and discomfort. Moving around is important to maintain blood flow.
Translated by: Bita Sayadi
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