Do you have ears that stick out too far from your head, making you resemble an Abyssinian? Maybe your ears seem too large for your head? If you have such issues, you can correct that with an otoplasty. Once you consider the procedure, you must choose your surgeon wisely. Thankfully, otoplasty Fort Worth experts ensure your ears are symmetrical while not damaging your hearing.
Every surgical procedure has some risks, and that includes this procedure. The point of mentioning them is so that you know they are normal and can be corrected. These are the risks you may face below.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients are allergic to surgical tapes. People with this allergy develop redness and itchiness on the skin. As a result, your wound will take longer to heal. It is upon your surgeon to find out whether you have any allergies.
If you are allergic, your surgeon will consider alternatives like gauze padding. Another thing your doctor may do is apply a skin preparation barrier film before putting surgical tape.
Asymmetry
Your surgeon will ensure your ears are symmetrical by doing the procedure in both ears. Despite doing so, you may still have asymmetrical ears. This can happen due to pre-existing asymmetry or during the healing process. It can take up to a year for them to be positioned properly.
If the asymmetry is minimal, you do not need to do any revision. Only consider the choice if your ears are misplaced.
Scarring
Scarring is a side effect you must face. Fortunately, the scars appear behind your ears, so nobody will easily see them. However, you will need to put up with them since they are quite painful. Whatever you do, you should reduce the urge to touch them. They should clear in around 2-3 weeks.
If the scars show signs of healing, you can quicken the process by using scar cream. The best scar creams to use are silicone, cortisone, and liquid oxygen.
Numbness
The numbness occurs due to the repositioning of the ears and, consequently, the sensory nerves. It lasts around 2-3 months. The good thing about that is not experiencing pain during this period. That means you will not even feel the effects of frostbite.
Your numbness will subside once your sensory nerves reconnect. When that happens, you will feel some itching and tenderness.
Overcorrection
An overcorrection causes your ears to appear much closer to the surface of your head due to their unnatural contours. That happens when your surgeon operates around the cartilage, which is responsible for keeping the ears relaxed. As a result, you must wait for at most three months for them to resume their position.
Alternatively, surgeons can correct that by inserting a rib cartilage behind the ear.
Once you go for an otoplasty, you must go for constant follow-ups. Your surgeon will investigate whether any side effects have taken place or recurred. Nevertheless, it has a success rate of 80%, so you may not need to do so in most cases. The point is to get some closure regarding the state of your ears.
After your procedure, it is important to care for your ears. Since you will have bandages on them, ensure you keep your head cool and dry. Also, only apply the ointments that your surgeon prescribes.
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