Many people feel uncomfortable because of protruding
or disfigured
ears. People of all ages tackle with this matter. It is more difficult for men
to hide this aesthetic flaw, especially when they are obliged to keep a short
haircut (joining the army, working for a firm etc). On the other hand women usually have long hair
that covers the problem. Also children have to deal with teasing and bulling at
school because of protruding or disfigured ears.
Ear surgery — also known as otoplasty — can improve the shape,
position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure
that is present at birth, that becomes apparent with development or it can
treat misshapen ears caused by injury. Ear surgery creates a natural shape,
while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even
minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.
Correction of protruding ears uses
surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the
rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and
deepest concavity of the external ear). The new technique (improved by Dr Lyras) has only tiny holes on the
back surface of the ear and not the inelegant incisions of the old – widely
used technique. Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure
the newly shaped cartilage in place.
After about 20 minutes the
operation comes to an end and the patient is ready to leave the clinic with a
bandage around his new and well-shaped ears for the rest of the day and also
instructions for post-op care. The following day the patient can remove by
himself the bandage.
The psychological importance of this intervention is particularly important, since admittedly, radical treatment of the problem of protruding ears provides new data on social acceptance,
creating the conditions for a happier
and more confident person.
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