10 Otoplasty Risks You Should Know Before Getting Your Surgery

Introduction of Otoplasty Risks

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical technique used to fix bulging or deformed ears. Otoplasty, like any other surgical surgery, has possible risks and problems. Before having the operation, patients should be informed of the following 10 risks:

Bleeding

Bleeding is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. While some bleeding during and immediately after surgery is normal, excessive bleeding can be a cause for concern and may require additional treatment.

If bleeding occurs immediately after surgery, the surgical team will take steps to control it. This may involve applying pressure to the affected area or using medication to promote clotting. In some other cases, additional surgery may be necessary to address the bleeding.

If bleeding occurs after the patient has been discharged from the hospital, it is important to contact the surgeon right away. They may recommend applying pressure to the affected area or coming in for an examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

To minimize the risk of bleeding after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all preoperative instructions provided by their surgeon, including avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. They should also follow all postoperative instructions, including avoiding physical activities that may increase blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products, which can also increase the risk of bleeding.

Infection

Infection is a potential complication that could occur after otoplasty surgery. While steps are taken to minimize the risk of infection, such as using sterile techniques and administering antibiotics, infections can still occur.

Symptoms of an infection after otoplasty surgery may include:

• Fever
• Redness and swelling around the surgical site
• Pain or tenderness
• Discharge or drainage from the surgical site
• Foul odor

If a patient suspects they may have an infection, it is important to contact their surgeon right away. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics or recommend other treatments, such as draining the infected area.

To minimize the risk of infection after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all preoperative instructions provided by their surgeon, including showering with an antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of the surgery. 

After the surgery, patients should keep the surgical site clean and dry and avoid touching it with their hands. They should also follow all postoperative instructions, including taking antibiotics as prescribed and keeping follow-up appointments with their surgeon.

Scarring

Scarring is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. Otoplasty involves making incisions behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and adjust the position of the ears. While the goal is to minimize scarring, there is always a risk that scarring may occur.

The extent of scarring will depend on a couple of factors, including the skill of the surgeon, the type of otoplasty procedure performed, and the individual patient’s healing ability. In general, the incisions made during otoplasty are small and are hidden behind the ear, so any scarring is typically not visible.

To minimize the risk of scarring after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all postoperative instructions provided by their surgeon, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry and avoiding activities that could cause trauma to the ears. Patients should also avoid direct sun exposure to the surgical site, as sunburn or tanning can darken scars.

If scarring does occur after otoplasty surgery, there are several treatment options available, including topical treatments, such as silicone gel sheets, and laser therapy. Revision surgery may also be an option in some cases, although this will depend on the extent and location of the scarring.

Pain

Pain is a common side effect of otoplasty surgery. Patients can expect to experience some discomfort after the procedure, particularly during the first few days. Pain can be managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon.

To minimize pain after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all postoperative instructions provided by their surgeon, including taking pain medication as prescribed, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and keeping the head elevated to reduce pressure on the ears. Patients should avoid activities that could increase blood pressure, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects, as this can increase pain and swelling.

It is normal for patients to experience some pain during the first few days after surgery, but if the pain becomes severe or persists beyond a few days, it is important to contact the surgeon. Severe pain could be a sign of complications, such as infection or hematoma.

Patients should also keep in mind that pain and discomfort can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience less pain than others.

Numbness

Numbness is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. The procedure involves making incisions behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and adjust the position of the ears, which can damage nerves and cause temporary or permanent numbness.

Temporary numbness is a common side effect of otoplasty surgery, and it typically resolves within a few weeks or months as the nerves heal. However, in some cases, numbness may be permanent.

To minimize the risk of numbness after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions provided by their surgeon. Patients should avoid activities that could cause trauma to the ears and should keep the head elevated to reduce pressure on the ears. Patients should also avoid sleeping on their side or stomach, as this can put pressure on the ears.

If numbness persists beyond a few months, it is important to contact the surgeon. They may recommend additional treatment, such as physical therapy or medication, to help restore sensation to the affected area.

It is important to keep in mind that numbness can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience less or more numbness than others.

Hematoma

Hematoma is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. A hematoma is a collection of blood that can form under the skin, often in response to trauma or injury.

During otoplasty surgery, the surgeon makes incisions behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and adjust the position of the ears. Hematomas can form if blood vessels are damaged during the procedure, leading to bleeding and the accumulation of blood.

Symptoms of a hematoma after otoplasty surgery may include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Pain or tenderness
• Increased warmth or redness at the surgical site
• Palpable mass or lump behind the ear

If a patient suspects they may have a hematoma, it is important to contact their surgeon right away. Treatment may involve draining the hematoma to relieve pressure and prevent further complications.

To minimize the risk of hematoma after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions provided by their surgeon. Patients should avoid activities that could cause trauma to the ears, such as sports or exercise, and should keep the head elevated to reduce pressure on the ears. Patients should also avoid sleeping on their side or stomach, as this can put pressure on the ears.

Asymmetry

Asymmetry is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. Otoplasty involves reshaping the cartilage and adjusting the position of the ears to improve their appearance and balance. However, in some cases, the surgery may result in asymmetry between the two ears.

Asymmetry can be caused by several factors, including differences in the starting position or shape of the ears, differences in the healing process between the two ears, or errors made during the surgical procedure.

To minimize the risk of asymmetry after otoplasty surgery, patients should choose a skilled and experienced surgeon with a good track record of performing successful otoplasty procedures. Patients should also communicate their goals and expectations clearly with the surgeon and make sure they understand the potential risks and limitations of the procedure.

If asymmetry does occur after otoplasty surgery, the surgeon may recommend revision surgery to improve the balance and symmetry of the ears. However, revision surgery should only be performed by an experienced otoplasty surgeon, as additional surgery can increase the risk of complications and may not always result in the desired outcome.

Poor wound healing

Poor wound healing is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. The procedure involves making incisions behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and adjust the position of the ears, which can increase the risk of wound healing complications.

Poor wound healing can manifest in several ways, including delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence (opening of the wound), or hypertrophic or keloid scarring. Several factors, including underlying medical conditions, smoking, or infections can cause poor wound healing.

To minimize the risk of poor wound healing after otoplasty surgery, patients should follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions provided by their surgeon. Patients should avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking can significantly impair wound healing. Patients should also keep the surgical site clean and dry, and avoid touching or scratching the incisions.

If poor wound healing does occur after otoplasty surgery, the surgeon may recommend additional treatment, such as antibiotics, wound dressings, or surgical revision. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever.

In some cases, poor wound healing may result in permanent scarring or other long-term complications. Patients should discuss any concerns about poor wound healing with their surgeon before undergoing otoplasty surgery.

Dissatisfaction with results

Dissatisfaction with results is a potential complication that can occur after otoplasty surgery. While otoplasty is generally a safe and effective procedure for improving the appearance and balance of the ears, there is always a risk that the results may not meet the patient’s expectations.

Dissatisfaction with results can be caused by several factors, including unrealistic expectations, poor communication between the patient and surgeon, or errors made during the surgical procedure. In some cases, patients may also experience disappointment due to changes in their appearance that are not related to the surgery, such as changes in weight or facial aging.

To minimize the risk of dissatisfaction with results after otoplasty surgery, patients should choose a skilled and experienced surgeon with a good track record of performing successful otoplasty procedures. Patients should also communicate their goals and expectations clearly with the surgeon and make sure they understand the potential risks and limitations of the procedure.

If dissatisfaction with results does occur after otoplasty surgery, the surgeon may recommend revision surgery to improve the outcome. However, revision surgery should only be performed by an experienced otoplasty surgeon, as additional surgery can increase the risk of complications and may not always result in the desired outcome.

Anesthesia complications

Anesthesia complications are a potential risk associated with otoplasty surgery, as the procedure typically requires general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Anesthesia complications can include reactions to anesthesia medications, breathing difficulties, or cardiovascular problems.

To minimize the risk of anesthesia complications, patients should follow all preoperative instructions provided by their surgeon and anesthesia team. This may include avoiding food and drink for a certain period before surgery and disclosing any medications, supplements, or medical conditions that could affect anesthesia.

During surgery, the anesthesia team will closely monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, to ensure safety and detect any signs of complications. After surgery, the patient will be closely monitored during the recovery period to ensure that the anesthesia has worn off and there are no lingering side effects.

While anesthesia complications are relatively rare, patients should be aware of the potential risks and discuss any concerns with their surgeon and anesthesia team before undergoing otoplasty surgery. Patients should also disclose any relevant medical history or medications to the anesthesia team, as this can affect the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia.

Reference to Images:

Incisionless Otoplasty: Basic Technique