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OTOPLASTY
- SPECIFIC SURGICAL RISKS
DESCRIPTION
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Otoplasty
is a surgical process to reshape the ear.
A variety of different techniques and
approaches may be used to reshape congenital
prominence in the ears or to restore damaged
ears. Each individual seeking otoplasty is unique both in terms of
the appearance of their ears and expectations
for results following otoplasty surgery.
It is important that you fully discuss
your expectations with your plastic surgeon
prior to surgery.
RISKS
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CHANGE
IN SKIN SENSATION: Diminished (or loss) of
skin sensation in the ear area may not totally
resolve after otoplasty surgery.
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EAR
TRAUMA: Physical injury after the otoplasty
procedure would disrupt the results of
surgery.
Care must be given to protect the ear(s)
from injury during the healing process.
Additional surgery may be necessary to
correct damage.
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SKIN
CONTOUR IRREGULARITIES: Contour irregularities
and depressions may occur after otoplasty.
Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin
and ear cartilage can occur.
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ASYMMETRY:
The human face is normally asymmetrical.
There can be normal differences between
ears in terms of shape and size.
There can be a variation from one side
to the other in the results obtained from an
otoplasty procedure.
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LONG
TERM EFFECTS:
Subsequent alternations in ear appearance may
occur as the result of aging or other
circumstances not related to otoplasty
surgery.
Due to the resilient nature of ear
cartilage, revisionary surgery may be
necessary in order to improve the results
following otoplasty surgery.
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PAIN: Very infrequently, chronic pain may occur from nerves trapped in
scar tissue after an otoplasty.
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DEEPER
SUTURES: Some surgical techniques use deep
non-absorbable sutures.
These items may be noticed by the
patient following surgery.
Sutures may spontaneously poke through
the skin, be visible, or produce irritation
that requires removal.
ALTERNATIVES
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Alternative
forms of management consist of not undergoing
the otoplasty operation.
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