Otoplasty: what is it?
Otoplasty, also known as ear plastic surgery, refers to the surgical correction of outer ears as a result of a genetic deformity or injury. The face plastic procedure aims at reducing ear projection and/or remodelling ear morphology to achieve a better-looking appearance. Thanks to otoplasty, it is possible to build a fully new ear structure for people who were born with missing or incomplete ears. It is all-important to note that ear surgery can be performed at any age under the condition of full auricular development. The latter generally happens around the age of five or six years old.
Who are suitable candidates for otoplasty?
People who suffer from auricular deformity, be it an incomplete, asymmetrical, prominent or protruding ear, are excellent candidates for the procedure. The ear plastic surgery can be performed on both adults and children alike; however, full auricular growth is a prime criterion. The patient has to be willing to undergo the procedure. In this sense, the candidate will be either motivated by aesthetic factors (improving appearance) or functional factors (improving hearing). Most importantly, a candidate has to be in good overall health to be considered for the surgery.
Otoplasty cost in Tunisia:
The cost of otoplasty in Tunisia with Cosmetica travel is 70% lesser than in the United Kingdom.
| Operations | Our price | UK price | Making you save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otoplasty -ear correction surgery- cost | £ 1700 | £ 5152 | 67 % |
The average pricing in the United Kingdom is £ 5152; solely including anaesthesia, operating room facilities, and surgeon’s fees.
The cost of otoplasty in Tunisia is £ 1700; all-inclusive with a recovery stay at a five-star hotel, a chance to explore our exotic Tunisia, and a dedicated assistance team by your side.
It is all the same important to note that the low pricing is due to the cheaper cost of living, the currency exchange rate, tax laws, and lower insurance cost payment on the part of Tunisian doctors.
Otoplasty in Tunisia:
| Operations | Anaesthetic | Procedure Time | Hospital Stay | Stay In Tunisia | Back To Work | All Inclusive Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otoplasty -ear correction surgery- | Local | 0:45-1 hour(s) | 1 night(s) | 3 night(s) | 5-7 day(s) | 1700 € |
Types of ear plastic surgery:
There are three types of otoplasty:
- Ear reduction surgery: it corrects the aesthetic deformity of macrotia, which is defined as prominent and large proportions of the ear.
- Ear augmentation surgery: it corrects the aesthetic deformity of microtia, which is defined as incomplete or missing ears.
- Pinnaplasty: it is the most common ear surgery. It corrects protruding ears by pinning them back.
How is ear plastic surgery performed?
Before ear surgery:
A pre-op consultation with the surgeon will be scheduled to discuss the patient’s insecurities, motivations, expectations, and desired outcome. The surgeon will perform a complete medical check-up and an examination of the ears and will review the patient’s medical history to check the patient’s good candidacy and decide on the procedure to perform. As in the case of other plastic surgeries, preoperative photographs will be taken to help in documentation.
During ear surgery:
Ear surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia. It is expected to last for about an hour or two, depending on the extent of surgery.
The surgeon starts by creating a small cut behind the ear. Through the incision, excess skin and cartilage will be extracted and removed. The surgeon will conclude the procedure by folding the cartilage into the proper position and suturing it with stitches. Given that the cut is small and located behind the ear, post-operational scarring will be barely visible.
In the case of ear augmentation surgery, the surgeon will either reconstruct or complete the ear. Regardless, cartilage graft or ear implants are generally used to fill missing proportions of the ears.
Post-operative effects & recovery after otoplasty:
The patient is required to wear bandages on the newly operated areas for a few days after otoplasty procedure. Once they are removed, bandages will be replaced by a supportive headband to maintain the ears in position. Although otoplasty is believed to be painless, swelling and redness are expected. Both can be alleviated by applying ice packs and moisturizing auricular skin. If the patient experiences slight pain in the ear area, the surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medication to remediate it. The patient is also advised to cover their ears from the sun and the wind, and from overly cold or hot temperatures. Finally, the patient has to avoid strenuous activities for three months at least. The patient will be able to resume work and regular activities after two weeks. Despite it being a simple procedure, ear surgery should not be taken lightly; possible complications may occur.
Results of otoplasty:
The results of ear surgery are immediately noticeable; however, it will take a few months until the patient is able to enjoy the otoplasty final results. Otoplasty is mostly a successful surgery, as the ears look more in proportion with the rest of the face and the head.
Advice before & after otoplasty:
Before otoplasty surgery:
The patient should avoid medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory, or anticoagulant two weeks before the procedure. In case the patient smokes or consumes alcoholic drinks, the surgeon will recommend that they stop two weeks before and after the procedure. Female patients should avoid taking contraception pills one month before surgery. It is also important that the patient be within 30% of their ideal body weight, and adopt a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery. A few days off work have to be taken to ensure that the patient heals properly after the procedure. Finally, the patient has to fast for eight hours at least prior to surgery.
After otoplasty surgery:
After ear plastic surgery, the surgeon will inform you of specific post-operative care. The latter includes how to care for surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally when to return for follow-up care in Tunisia. Once you go back to your home country, the surgeon will update the patient about when special bandages or stitches are to be removed, and when normal activities and sports can be possibly resumed.
Learn more about other face cosmetic surgery :