Contraindications, complications and postoperative recovery after otoplasty. Possible complications after otoplasty

Otoplasty - view surgical intervention on soft tissues and cartilage of the auricle, which is used to correct protruding ears and eliminate deformities and defects of the auricle.

Types of otoplasty

1. Aesthetic otoplasty: the operation is performed to give the auricle a more aesthetic appearance.
2. Reconstructive otoplasty: used to restore individual missing areas or the entire auricle.

Indications for surgery

Contraindications for surgery

• sharp infectious diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• blood clotting disorder;
• diabetes;
• chronic inflammatory diseases outer and middle ear;
• in some clinics, the operation is not taken during menstruation.

Photo: before and after plastic surgery of the ears

Required tests

• general analysis blood, urinalysis;
• biochemical blood test, coagulogram;
• blood test for markers viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
• electrocardiogram, fluorography.

Video: Ear surgery

Operation methods

To date, there are about 170 different types of surgery on the outer ear. It is connected with big amount features of the structure of the auricle and the need to preserve the individual structural features of the outer ear after surgery.

In each case, the surgeon selects best method carrying out the operation, taking into account the existing anatomical defect or deficiency and the expected result.

The only thing you need to decide is the method of making incisions during the operation. They can be performed with a scalpel or laser. A number of operating doctors insist that the use of a laser has its advantages:

• postoperative scars are less pronounced and may be absent altogether;
• healing after surgery is faster.

It is possible that they are right, but much here depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

How is the operation

First of all, anesthesia is performed. For children, the operation is performed under general anesthesia, for adults, the operation area is anesthetized locally, in much the same way as teeth are anesthetized in dental practice.

Then an incision is made with a scalpel or laser, excess skin and ear cartilage are excised, and a new position and size of the auricle is formed. The surgical wound is sutured with conventional or absorbable threads.
A special bandage is applied to the operated ear. A compression bandage after otoplasty must be worn for several days so that the new position of the auricle is maintained during the healing process.

Video: Otoplasty, ear surgery

Rehabilitation and recovery

In most cases, surgery and wearing a compression bandage, which is changed once every 2-3 days, is quite enough. Some patients need to undergo additional corrective procedures prescribed by the doctor to achieve the optimal result. As a rule, the doctor informs the patient about the need for such procedures at the consultation stage before the operation.

Sutures after otoplasty are removed 8-10 days after surgery, if self-absorbable suture material has not been used. All this time it is impossible to wet the postoperative wound. For 2-3 weeks after surgery, it is recommended to limit physical activity.

Within 1-2 weeks, there may be a slight swelling and pain after otoplasty, which subsequently disappear without treatment. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe pain medication.

Did you know that frenulum surgery is a transverse incision and subsequent longitudinal suturing? Read more in the article. What is blepharoplasty? Why is she dangerous? Which celebrity did blepharoplasty? How is the operation carried out and how long does it take? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.

Complications after otoplasty, adverse effects of surgery

• suppuration postoperative wound divergence of wound edges; The photo shows a fragment of the ear, where the seams on the cartilage have parted and an area filled with only skin has formed.

• the formation of pronounced scars, including keloids;

• bleeding from the surgical wound;
• the development of severe edema and extensive hematoma, which may require additional drainage;
• development of diffuse external purulent bacterial or fungal otitis;

• V remote period operations, it is possible for the germination of the operated cartilage by vessels with gradual resorption of the cartilage and secondary deformation of the auricle;

• visible traces of surgery outer surface ear.

Prices

The price of otoplasty largely depends on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia will be much cheaper general anesthesia. In addition, in some cases, after an operation performed under anesthesia, the patient will have to stay in the clinic for several days under the supervision of medical staff, which will also affect the cost of treatment. Prices for otoplasty in Moscow and St. Petersburg may differ upwards, since it is often in major cities apply best practices conducting anesthesia, performing an operation, which requires additional costs for both necessary materials and equipment, as well as for the training of specialists.

Prices for otoplasty in Moscow at the clinic plastic surgery Delta Clinic.

Prices for otoplasty in St. Petersburg

Otoplasty (Operations on auricles Oh)
Prominent ear correction (1 ear)	from 18 000 rub.
Correction of protruding ears according to the author's method A.V. Kulikov (1 ear), incl. previously operated	39 500 rub.
Prominent ear correction (2 ears)	23 500 rub.
Correction of protruding ears according to the author's method A.V. Kulikov (2 ears), incl. previously operated	RUB 51,500
Ear reduction (1 ear)	18 000 rub.
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (1 ear)	40 500 rub.
Ear reduction (2 ears)	23 500 rub.
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (2 ears)	55 500 rub.
Correction of ear deformities (1 ear)	17,500 - 54,000 rubles.
Earlobe correction (1 ear)	10,200 - 22,000 rubles.
Earlobe restoration after tunneling (1 ear)	17 500 rub.
Reconstructive and restorative operations in the ear area	+ 20% to the cost aesthetic operations corresponding parts of the ear

FAQ

How long to wear a bandage? The duration of wearing the bandage is determined individually in each case and depends on the speed of healing of the surgical wound. Usually the period of wearing ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. At what age can otoplasty be done? Usually, otoplasty is not done until the baby is six months old. Before this period, the auricle is being formed, therefore, if there is a slight deformation, then the elimination of protruding ears is carried out without surgery, by fixing the auricle in correct position. If fixation was not carried out before the six-month period and the cartilage of the ear was fixed in wrong position, then it is better to carry out the operation before the child reaches the age of 6 years in order to avoid the formation of complexes about his own appearance. What is the best way to do otoplasty, laser or scalpel? The choice is yours and your surgeon's. In any case, the incision is made rear surface auricle and will be securely hidden in the fold of the skin. Is free otoplasty possible? Possible. But such an operation, as a rule, is carried out only on medical indications. Can protruding ears be corrected with surgery? Can. Prominent ear correction is the most frequent indication for otoplasty. How is otoplasty done? There is no single method of operation common to all cases of otoplasty. Therefore, for each patient, the surgeon chooses his own method of performing the operation, based on the needs of the patient and own capabilities. Is revision otoplasty possible? Re-otoplasty is quite possible if the patient after the first operation did not receive desired result. Is re-otoplasty more expensive? The cost of the operation in this case will depend on the indications for repeated otoplasty. If this is the elimination of a small asymmetry, then the operation is unlikely to be more expensive for you. If you need to eliminate keloid scars, secondary deformity of the auricle, etc., then the operation can cost much more. Therefore, you can find out the exact price for repeated otoplasty only during a personal consultation. How long does it take for revision otoplasty? The term is determined by the operating doctor during a face-to-face consultation. In some cases, repeated surgery on the auricle is not performed due to the development of gross tissue deformation and the unpredictability of the effect of repeated otoplasty. Which side effects operations can be Most often, after the operation, there are complaints of slight soreness and swelling of the tissues in the immediate vicinity of the surgical wound. It is not dangerous and resolves within 1-2 weeks without treatment. How does it go postoperative period otoplasty? If you follow all the recommendations of the doctor and arrive on time for dressings, then the postoperative period passes without any problems. The only restrictions are not to engage in heavy physical labor and sports for 2-3 weeks and not to wet the postoperative wound until the stitches are removed. How long after surgery do the ears hurt? The pain usually goes away within a week or two.

Many people suffering from lop-earedness have repeatedly thought about how to correct this injustice of nature. Not everyone is willing or able (depending on the degree of lop-earedness) to hide or disguise it. There are also daredevils who dare to go and do what they call " ear otoplasty". But not everyone thinks about what rehabilitation after otoplasty. Having made an appointment, many already see themselves transformed, having little idea of ​​how they look. ears after otoplasty.

Otoplasty is not so simple and fast operation as they like to say plastic surgeons. Simultaneous operations (operations on paired organs or parts of the body) are considered one of the most difficult, since the task of the surgeon is not only to eliminate the defect, as in the case of protruding ears, but also to give symmetry.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty

Rehabilitation is a rather long and painful period. Do not believe doctors who say that in 2 weeks you will enjoy your new ears. In 2 weeks you best case you can walk during the day without a fixing bandage. You can sleep on your side for at least six months.

Very often, otoplasty is sought to be performed on children. It is worth noting that the child's ear grows and forms up to 9 years of age. It is strange to hear from many doctors that they recommend otoplasty for children from the age of 6. Dubious and serious interference with the growing body brings us to the first and most common consequence of otoplasty:

1. Failed otoplasty.

Your ears may return to their original position. Moreover, they can do this asymmetrically, which will make your appearance even more unattractive than if your ears were simply protruding.

Another option may be a second operation, because. the ears may begin to return to their original position. This can happen for several reasons - the surgeon was not experienced enough, used a self-absorbable suture material, which is not enough for a long time kept the ear in the right position. Perhaps the patient himself removed the fixing bandage too early, which led to this result.

Of course, in this case, you will most likely have to do a second operation. And again, no one will give you a guarantee that this operation will be the last.

2. Bleeding and hematoma.

   

   Since during the operation the surgeon breaks and excised cartilage tissue in your ears, bleeding and bruising in the postoperative period cannot be avoided. The problem is that hematomas do not go away for a long time, and, most likely, within six months you will not be able to sleep on your side, and touching your ears will cause pain. For example, excessive pressure that a hematoma exerts on cartilage can lead to cartilage necrosis.

3. wound infection. May develop around the operated area 3 or 4 days after ear otoplasty. May appear slight (appears as slight redness and slight soreness) - and this is its cunning. An advanced infection may require surgery.
4. During rehabilitation after otoplasty Suture eruption and hypercorrection may be observed. Basically, both are connected with the insufficient competence of the surgeon, the wrong selection suture material, as well as insufficient preoperative diagnosis. Ears after such otoplasty do not look aesthetically pleasing, and such sutures require surgical removal.

   

5. Warping of the ear cartilage.
   The most unpleasant thing is if the ears become uneven after otoplasty. This is mainly noticeable at the site of the formed antihelix and occurs due to the fact that the surgeon did not suture close enough, and the ear cartilage sought to return to its original position.

Unsuccessful otoplasty, consequences which were described in this article, not a frequent, but not such a rare occurrence. Those who still decide on otoplasty should be aware of all these consequences, and also that in many cases, even after removing the compression bandage and sutures, the surgeon will still advise you to wear. They are recommended to be worn for about a year after otoplasty of the ears. They will serve as a good guarantee that your ears will fit as closely as possible to your head, become symmetrical, and you will be pleased with the new appearance.

It was a widespread operation even when no one knew anything about the wonders of modern plastic surgery in our country. Too visible aesthetic defect represents or asymmetry of the ears. Since this operation is generally simple, getting rid of the problem, as a rule, does not entail additional unpleasant experiences. Complications are rare, especially if we are talking O . But nevertheless, they meet.

Who should not have otoplasty

Recall the contraindications:

• Violations of cardio-vascular system
• Acute infectious diseases
• allergic reactions
• Transferred oncological diseases
• Skin diseases with manifestations in the area of ​​the proposed intervention
• Severe endocrine disorders

The doctor can stop and other moments. For example, even if you are fine with blood clotting, but you are a woman, and you have been scheduled for surgery on the day of your period, it is recommended to postpone the intervention. Since these days the body is "tuned" to bleeding.

Why not

Despite the fact that otoplasty is an operation that minimally traumatizes tissues, nevertheless, it is an operation.

Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus) can affect tissue healing, cardiovascular disorders can affect the likelihood of bleeding.

Skin diseases, if they affect the area in which surgical manipulations will take place, also preclude normal suturing and healing.

Complications after otoplasty

Complications after otoplasty are rare. Many of them are associated with improper care behind the auricles in the postoperative period. However, not everything depends on the patience of the patient - there are moments that are completely individual for each organism. How will your recovery period after the operation, one can only guess in general terms.

The main complications after otoplasty include:

• Bleeding
• Hematomas
• Inflammatory process
• Epidermolysis and maceration of the epithelium
• Allergic reactions to the compositions used to treat wounds
• Asymmetry and incomplete correction
• Keloid scars
• Perichondritis

Bleeding after surgery - absolutely normal phenomenon. Just like small hematomas. Since any surgical intervention is an injury, you need to be patient and wait 7-10 days. As a rule, during this period all the troubles stop. If the bleeding after the operation was severe, and there were additional aggravating circumstances (for example, you accidentally pulled off the fixing bandage in your sleep and injured your freshly operated ear), then the direct road is back to the surgeon.

Hematomas on the front of the ear are more dangerous than on the outside. Firstly, they reduce the achieved aesthetic result (as a rule, they look like cyanotic or purple "bubbles" full of blood). And secondly, there is a risk of infection. Such hematomas are opened without fail.

Inflammatory process it is difficult not to notice, because it will be accompanied by pain, throbbing in the ear and an increase in body temperature. If any of the above is present, see a doctor immediately. infectious process in a wound is dangerous because it can lead to cartilage necrosis and the need for a second operation.

Epidermolysis and maceration of the epithelium also will not go unnoticed, because they have a characteristic appearance- the skin at the site of intervention exfoliates, bubbles. In mild cases, they do not require special therapy and go away on their own in a few days.

allergic reactions on drugs used to treat wounds. They are bad because they can cause significant discomfort, especially when skin manifestations- pain, itching. Symptoms are relieved after taking antihistamines.

Asymmetry and incomplete correction- a complication that can be assessed after your wounds have healed. Could be related to individual features your tissues, and the fact that you did not follow the doctor's recommendations for care. Unfortunately, there are cases when the correction has to be repeated several times.

Hypercorrection - back side medals. Ears that are too close to the head can also create discomfort and look unnatural. In addition, in this case, the shell itself may be deformed. A complication is rare - as a rule, a qualified doctor does not allow it.

Keloid scars. For the most part, they are associated with the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Some people have a predisposition to the formation of such scars in the form of a tumor. In this case, you have to operate on the place where the scar has appeared.

Perichondritis- inflammation of the membrane covering the ear cartilage. It occurs relatively rarely, but can be very dangerous, since in some cases it can lead to necrosis of cartilage tissue.

How to avoid complications

Second important point becomes the discipline of the patient after surgery. For two weeks, you will need to wear a special fixing bandage, in which you will have to eat and even sleep. It is also not recommended during the recovery period to engage in power sports and in general intense physical training, lift weights, catch a cold. Weakened immunity can play a bad role for a postoperative wound. And training can even lead to divergence of the seams.

Remember: the doctor can do the maximum to make you satisfied with your ears. But some effort is worth making for you too!

What is otoplasty? Literally, this term means "ear change", the procedure is the reconstruction or correction of the shape and size of the auricles by surgical intervention. Simply put, this operation is indicated for 5% of the population with abnormally protruding ears.

Varieties of the operation

The most common and long-standing way to rid a person of protruding ears is scalpel otoplasty ears. This method is not very revered among patients: scars remain after surgical intervention, the process itself takes more than 2 hours, and rehabilitation is quite long.

A modern alternative to the scalpel - laser otoplasty. During the operation, specialists make incisions using laser beam. Among the obvious advantages of medical manipulation: the shortest period of rehabilitation and the absence of postoperative scars.

Laser otoplasty is gradually losing ground, giving way to an innovative method - radio wave operation. Doctors, armed with radio waves, painlessly deprive the patient of the complex. And a person recovers after such a procedure no more than three weeks.

The rehabilitation period after the “ear correction”, regardless of the type of operation performed, is divided into early and late. We will discuss each of them in more detail below.

Features of the early postoperative period

Before and after otoplasty

Otoplasty of the ears is a type of surgical intervention, the implementation of which entails a violation in varying degrees integrity of soft tissues and cartilage. Hence the obviousness of unpleasant symptoms like pain, swelling and bruising. The severity of these signs depends on the course of the procedure, the characteristics of the patient's body and compliance with medical recommendations. The duration of early rehabilitation varies from 7 to 10 days.

More about the main thing: pain, swelling and bruising

Normal postoperative symptom considered mild, even minor pain. In case of low pain syndrome The patient is shown taking analgesics. It can also be attributed here hypersensitivity auricles - this symptom disappears after a couple of days.

Swelling and bruising do not leave the patient for 2-3 weeks after surgery. They usually resolve on their own, rare cases surgical drainage is required. A slight increase in temperature in the first days after the procedure is also considered normal.

What you need to know about compression bandage?

The postoperative bandage fixes the auricles in the correct position and prevents them from moving until the tissues begin to heal. Among the others important functions performed by a bandage:

• protection of the ears from possible injuries;
• prevention of the spread of swelling and hematomas formed in the area of ​​surgical intervention.

What is an attribute? Is it normal or elastic bandage, made in the form of a ring, which is worn on the head. You can replace it with a special bandage, it is very comfortable to wear in the postoperative period. Feature of a product - the universal size due to the available fastener (adhesive tape).

The duration of wearing a bandage (bandage) is 1-2 weeks. It is possible to remove a medical attribute only as directed by a doctor.

After the procedure, the patient is waiting for at least 2 dressings:

1. A day later. In the process, the condition of the ear is assessed.
2. On the 8th day. During the dressing, the doctors remove the stitches.

After the examination, the specialist evaluates the result, gives additional recommendations.

Used medications

When dressing, tampons soaked in an antiseptic are placed on the suture area. To speed up wound healing, the doctor may prescribe some healing ointments, creams, gels. The most common option is Levosin ointment.

In the case of a pronounced pain syndrome, the patient is shown taking painkillers. They are usually given by injection.

It is important to know! The appointment of any drugs during the recovery period, especially if otoplasty was performed on a child, is carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.

For ease of perception, we list the main postoperative recommendations doctors in the table:

Washing head	Do not wash your hair for the first 3 days. Further, until the removal of sutures, use only warm water without detergents. Then for a month it is better to give preference to baby shampoo.
Sleep and rest	Rest and sleep should be as much as possible. The recommended sleeping position is lying on your back. It is better to raise the head of the bed or use pillows in order to reduce the severity of edema.
Physical activity	Any physical activity in the first 7 days after the procedure is excluded. If otoplasty was performed on children, at this time, preference should be given to calm games, to exclude contact sports. You can resume activity towards the end of the 2nd week. It is recommended to enter the former rhythm of life gradually.
Wearing glasses	The glasses will have to be put aside for the duration of the entire recovery period, regardless of whether ear otoplasty was performed with a laser or other instrument.
contact with the sun	Ears in the first weeks after surgery are very sensitive to light. Full contact is possible only after a month. Until this time, the patient is shown short walks with the use of a sunscreen. Obviously, solarium, sauna excluded.

Features of the late postoperative period

The main task of this period of time is to provide conditions for the speedy healing of the operated tissues. The period ends after 30 days. It includes a list of recommendations regarding lifestyle, nutrition, following which you can count on a favorable result.

At this time, the patient may be disturbed by minor swelling, partial loss of sensitivity of the auricles, and discomfort in the area of ​​scars. These symptoms are normal and indicate the unwillingness of the ears to fully cope with the functions assigned to them.

Note! Pain in the late postoperative period is an uncharacteristic symptom. If this is the case, contact your doctor.

Diet

Nutrition during the recovery period of the body after surgery is characterized by the following features:

1. It should be varied in order to ensure that the required amount of vitamins, minerals and other components enter the patient's body.
2. Easily digestible foods should prevail in the patient's diet.
3. It is better to give preference to lean meat (rabbit, poultry, beef), cereals, vegetables and fruits.
4. Under the taboo for the patient are all spicy, fried, fatty, salty, smoked, spicy dishes.

Such nutrition, as well as the rejection bad habits, will provide an excellent result of otoplasty and exclude possible complications.

Let's talk about the unpleasant: risks and complications

Any operation does not exclude risks and complications. Cosmetic surgery, whether it is laser otoplasty or any other operation, is usually resorted to quite healthy people- hence the low percentage of complications.

Among the possible unpleasant manifestations in the recovery period, experts include:

• divergence of the edges of the wound;
• development of infection;
• ear tissue necrosis;
• massive hematomas.

Surgery such as otoplasty shortens some of the nerves in the ear, which can cause it to lose some of its sensation for up to 12 months.

The ear cartilage boasts a "memory", under the influence of which the auricle is constantly trying to take its original position. Therefore, any operation may be unsuccessful - protruding ears will eventually return to the patient. IN similar cases repeated otoplasty.

Evaluation of results

7 days after the operation, specialists are able to evaluate the initial aesthetic improvement in the shape and position of the auricles. After the bandage is removed, the patient can immediately notice improvements. With a favorable scenario, the result progresses every day. This will continue for an average of 6 weeks. At this stage, the doctor may decide that an unsuccessful otoplasty was performed.

Doctors come to the final conclusion a year after the procedure. Most patients are satisfied with the result. However, the operated ears are almost always minimally different from each other - a slight asymmetry remains. This does not mean that repeated otoplasty is inevitable. The course of the procedure itself, or, most likely, the initial asymmetry of the auricles, can lead to this.

As you can see, the rehabilitation period after this kind cosmetic surgery plays a key role in ensuring the proper result and achieving a positive cosmetic effect. The lion's share of successful ear correction is hidden in the painstaking observance of the entire list of doctor's recommendations.

Two weeks before the ear surgery, the patient must undergo an examination, all stages of which will be determined by a specialist during a consultation. As a rule, the list of analyzes is standard for all patients, possible exceptions are individual.

Otoplasty: tests

So, 14 days before the ear surgery, you need to provide the specialist with the results

• clinical blood test,
• blood test for HIV infection (AIDS),
• blood test for syphilis,
• blood test for hepatitisB andC.

The presence of hepatitis of these types, syphilis and HIV infection are contraindications to the operation, therefore, if they are detected, the patient will be denied otoplasty. Urine tests, coagulogram or fluorography may also be additionally prescribed.

In addition to passing tests, the specialist will provide information on what restrictions should be followed before the operation. First of all, this concerns a number medicines affecting blood clotting. Both cough medicine and regular aspirin can be such a drug, so let your doctor know about all medicines that you are taking, including OCs and vitamins.

What else is worth knowing?

• Otoplasty is performed on an empty stomach, 8 hours before the operation, refuse to eat and drink.
• Ear surgery is not performed during menstruation, as well as a few days before and after it, so it is important to discuss your menstrual cycle with a surgeon for a consultation.
• When you go to the clinic for surgery, remove makeup from your face and nail polish from your fingers and toes.
• Make sure you are escorted home after the operation.

Otoplasty: complications

Complications after otoplasty can be divided into early and late, depending on the moment of their manifestation.

1. Infection – early complication after otoplasty.

Symptoms: redness around the edges of the wound, pus.

Treatment: antibiotics.

Possible danger: perichondritis, chondritis.

Note: easily eliminated with timely access to a doctor.

2. Hematoma also applies to early complications.

Symptoms: swelling, bleeding, strong pain in the area of ​​intervention.

Possible danger: cartilage necrosis.

Note: also requires timely contact with a specialist when symptoms appear.

3. Maceration epithelium

Causes of development: too tight bandage, violation of tissue trophism.

4. Allergy

Reasons for development: allergic reaction on an antiseptic for suture treatment.

5. Keloid scars

Causes of development: genetic predisposition.

It is worth remembering that any complication can be eliminated with timely access to a specialist. In our clinic Special attention is given to postoperative control and observation of the patient. In the event of complications, you can always count on prompt assistance.