Otoplasty (ear surgery abroad) is a procedure to reshape the ear. For example, treat the ears that seem too large or protruding.
For adults, the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. Yet, general anesthesia can also be used. Otoplasty takes 1-2 hours to complete. In most of the cases, hospitalization is not required. The recommended stay in Lithuania is 5 days following the surgery.
Ear surgery abroad goes as follows:
- the back side of the ear shell is cut;
- the ear shell cartilage is then weakened so that it can be folded;
- sometimes the excess skin or the cartilage is removed;
- once the surgery is complete, head bandages are applied.
When the bandages are taken off, the patient must wear a headband during sleep for a few weeks. This keeps the stitches from pulling out.
As will all surgeries, there will be some initial swelling (80% of it will fade away in 6 months). Yet, within 2-3 weeks your ears will look remarkably better (the new shape will be already visible).
Possible complications: infection is rare and, normally, treated with antibiotics. On rare occasions, there might be bleeding, small irregularities, visible scars, asymmetry, and temporary sensibility loss. Swelling and bruising gradually fade away (in several weeks).