Auricle deformities can be congenital or acquired, represent only a cosmetic defect, or even lead to hearing loss. The functions of the auricles are very important, and the correction of the ears in case of their deformities can not only return psychological comfort to the patient, but also sometimes help in restoring hearing and speech. Ear surgery is a complex and painstaking operation that requires not only joint work with an otolaryngologist, but also a very high qualification of the surgeon – otoplasty specialist.
Auricles are thin and elastic cartilage, densely covered on both sides with extremely thin skin. The cartilages have many topographic curves and a smoothly curved shape; the skin on the auricles is characterized by a weak blood supply. Ear plastic surgery is one of the most difficult areas of plastic surgery, since during otoplasty it is necessary to correct an almost three-dimensional structure, which is anatomically very complex. At the same time, the correction of the ears involves the reconstruction of their structure, position, size, and sometimes the restoration of auditory functions. The shape of the ears is also very important, since it affects the formation of a harmonious face, the ears give integrity to the perception of the external appearance of a person, complete the harmony of his image.
Causes of ear correction and classification of deformities
Deformities of the auricle are caused by incorrect location of the cartilage, excess or deficiency of cartilage or soft tissues, abnormalities in the development of the auricles. Ear deformities can be congenital or acquired – due to injury or illness. Congenital anomalies are usually caused by the adverse effects of various harmful factors on the body of the expectant mother in the first three months of pregnancy, when the outer ear is formed in the child. Congenital ear deformities include the following:
- macrotia;
- protruding ears;
- microtia;
- curl deformity;
- earlobe deformities;
- rolled ears.
Among the acquired deformities of the ears, the most common is a keloid scar, when the skin grows after injury or inflammation and changes the shape of the ear. Such deformations occur after burns and even after an earlobe piercing. Ear cartilage can be deformed after sports injuries, after inflammatory diseases or tumors in the ear area.
Surgical correction of the ears – methods and features
Otoplasty requires a very delicate individual approach, so that the ears are reproduced anatomically accurate, symmetrical, while maintaining all the necessary functions.
The most important part of the otoplasty – this is work with the patient, full informing him about the process and the expected results, about & nbsp; risks and features of the rehabilitation period.
Ear correction is carried out no earlier than one and a half years after the injury – if the deformation of the auricle is acquired, or in case of a congenital defect – in children 7-9 years old. Ear surgery is carried out in several stages with different intervals and takes about a year on average.
The main material for the formation of a new ear is usually costal cartilage. The complexity of the operation is added by the small amount of parotid tissues, the complexity of the ear relief, and the high probability of postoperative scarring. When forming a new auricle, the cartilaginous framework is formed at the first stage, and then – an ear shape is created. When correcting the auricle, the cartilaginous plate is cut, the anatomical integrity of the ear cartilage is restored, and the ear is fixed in the correct position. Stitches are usually removed after 10 days, and the patient wears a fixation bandage for another 2 weeks.
Careful observance of the technique of otoplasty and its methods, the efficiency of the operation is usually 90%. To prevent possible complications, the patient is subject to medical supervision in the first 2-3 days after otoplasty.
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