All about Ear Surgery and its treatment
Overview
Ear surgery is also referred to as otoplasty. It is usually done to improve the shape, proportion, or position of your ear. It is an ear defect that one has from the moment of birth. Ear surgery can also be undertaken to treat a defective ear after an injury. The procedure not only gives shape and balance to the ears, but it does that too to the face. Ear surgery helps to increase one’s self-esteem about their appearance. One may choose to have otoplasty if they are bothered about the appearance of their ear. Ear surgery can be done at any age, as long as the individual's ear has reached its maximum size. Your ears are considered to have reached full development at the age of 5. However, if a child is born with particular ear-shape problems and prominent ears, they may have to splint. Splinting might be the only successful way to correct the issue immediately after the child is born. Ear surgery is done on both the patient's ears to maximize symmetry. Even though it helps change the person's appearance, ear surgery neither changes the location of one's ear nor their hearing ability.
Causes
No one clearly understands the actual causes of the ear malformation. However, according to medical experts, the condition may result from how well the body responds to other factors.
Birth defect
A person may have an ear defect at birth because they lacked adequate blood supply to their ears during their developmental stages as a fetus. For example, during child development in the womb, the mother needs to eat nutritious meals that facilitate blood supply throughout the fetus. If this is not the case, the child is likely to be born with various defects, including ear malformations.
Genetics
Inherited conditions and genetic mutations may be the leading cause of ear malformations in a child. Ear deformities may run in one's family. It may therefore occur when a child inherits the deformity from one of their parents. Some experts also connect the deformities to a child's exposure to various medications, which may result in ear deformities. For example, a parent's exposure to certain drugs like thalidomide and alcohol has been connected to developing outer ear deformity.
Viral infections
Lastly, viral infections like rubella and flu have also been connected with ear malformations. In addition, different viruses may impact a person's inner ear, which may further result in ear malformations. It is so because the infection often spread from the outer ear parts to the inner ear.
Symptoms
Most ear deformities are congenital, meaning you are born with this deformity. Congenital deformities are often evident at birth, and one can notice them once the child is born. There are, however, milder forms of ear defects, and these may be less visible in the child. There are also other rare cases where children develop deformities after going through trauma and diseases. Ear deformities in some children are genetically inherited and can impact various body parts. Apart from the noticeable deformities at birth, below are some of the most common noticeable signs of ear deformity;
- Crooked or abnormally shaped ear
- Frequent ear infection
- Facial deformities like a crooked lower jaw, which may only be present on one side
Once a person has gone through ear surgery, they may have various symptoms. The most common symptoms a person who has undergone surgery may have include;
- Numbness around the ear
- They may experience pain around the surgical ear site
- Ringing, popping, clicking, or any other sound
- Fatigue and headache
- Throat and jaw neck pain
- Bruising, soreness of the shoulders and eyelids.
All these symptoms one experiences get better with time as they are under treatment and medical observation.
Diagnosis
When one has congenital ear deformities, the problem can easily be corrected in the early diagnosis. This is often within the first few weeks after birth. The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam. During this exam, the doctor in charge will observe the patient from various perspectives.
A newborn with an ear deformity may have to go through an investigation of their ear structures. The patient undergoes a detailed examination of their face, skull, and neck. During this examination, your doctor will be checking for the symmetry, occlusion, hair, facial proportions, sensory functions, and deglutition of your ears. He or she may also look into the function of the middle ear because there is a close correlation between the external ear and the middle ear.
Audiometry
This is an essential investigation in patients suffering from ear deformities. Severe malformations of a person's external ear. Conditions like Auris congenital can negatively impact the ear structure. Examining the patient in the early stages is essential because it helps detect early ear loss.
Imaging
Imaging techniques also aid in diagnosing ear defects. The most commonly used imaging techniques include MRI and CT scans. The MRI has a higher tissue contrast, meaning it can quickly characterize soft tissues. This allows your doctor to see how much of the patient's ear is damaged and the necessary procedure to correct it.
For the diagnosis of ear deformities, genetic analysis is another method that a doctor can use. It is so because ear deformities are associated with malformation syndromes. It is, therefore, necessary for patients with the syndrome to be taken through molecular genetic testing. This will help the doctor conclude or eliminate the possible cause of the deformity. In addition, the DNA mutations that can cause the disease can easily be diagnosed through the laboratory analysis of the patient's blood samples. Alternatively, it may be necessary for the parent to undergo prenatal testing if the family has a malformations family history.
Treatment
Children with minor ear deformities may not require any form of treatment if they have normal hearing. For severe cases, however, the main aim of the treatment is to focus on the correction of the ear shape and restoration of any hearing loss. Having ear surgery is necessary for children as it promotes the development of formal language and speech with good hearing ability. Otoplasty is a surgery mainly done to change the position, shape, and ear size. Before the surgery, we will ensure that you and your child are taken to the clinic. The clinic will take care of this as you will be taken with the help of our facility vans.
The surgeon taking care of the child will fully brief you on the possible complications, risks, and the various benefits your child will get when they undergo this ear surgery. As a parent, you are encouraged to feel free to ask the surgeon any questions that may worry you. If you do not understand an aspect given by the surgeon, kindly ask for clarifications before continuing the following essential aspect. In this way, you will be in a better position to understand what the surgery is about and the benefits associated with it.
Laser surgery
Laser surgery is the best alternative for ear surgery because it is less invasive, faster, and recovery is quicker. The patient will be allowed to choose the preferable surgery between the traditional one and laser surgery. Also, laser surgery reduces the risk of scarring in the patient's eardrum.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser beam to make an incision that allows the infection to drain itself.
Before the Procedure
Otoplasty can both be done in a hospital or an outpatient facility. There are cases where surgery is done with local anesthesia and sedation. The sedation process numbs only part of the patient's body. However, there are cases where the patient undergoes general anesthesia. General anesthesia renders the patient entirely unconscious. In most cases, the patient is sedated before they start the procedure.
During the Procedure
The techniques applied in the surgery all depend on the needed type of correction. In that, the plastic surgeon determines the specific technique needed for the child in the surgery. The chosen technique is also the determinant of the location of incisions and the possible scars that the patient may incur. In most cases, the doctor may prefer incisions on the patient's back of the ear and within the ear's inner creases. After the surgeon has made the various incisions, the doctor may have no choice but to remove the excess skin and cartilage. After which, he will fold the cartilage into the best position. After putting them into the best position, he will have to secure them with internal stitches. After completion of the surgery, the doctor will use additional stitches to close the incisions. Typically, the procedure takes approximately two hours.
Post-op care
After completion of the otoplasty, the surgeon covers your ears with bandages. This offers support and protection to the ears. You are likely to feel an itching sensation and discomfort in the operated area. Your surgeon will recommend various medications to help the pain subside. However, if the discomfort continues despite taking the pain medications, you are advised to contact your surgeon immediately. Also, we recommend that the patient not sleep on their side to avoid putting pressure on the operated area. You should wear loose-fitting collars or button-down shirts to prevent clothes from coming into contact with the operated area.
The doctor will remove the bandages a few days after the surgery. You are likely to have swelling and redness on the operated area once the bandage is removed. For this reason, your surgeon will recommend that you wear a loose headband that covers your ears for a few weeks at night. Doing this will help you from pulling the ears forward in case they roll over in bed. Our doctors will advise you about whether or not the stitches will be removed. Stitches have to be removed while others dissolve on their own after the operation. The removable stitches have to be removed a few weeks after the surgery in the doctor's office. Also, our doctors will be open and transparent on when you can resume your daily activities.
After the bandage removal, you will likely notice immediate changes in the appearance of the face and ears. The changes are permanent, and that will be your new look. If you are not satisfied with the surgery results, it will be best to talk to the surgeon and consider the revision surgery possibility.
You may lose your normal appetite for the first few days. You are advised to stay as hydrated as possible.
Activity Restrictions
- You should not strain in the first two weeks post-surgery. You must not carry anything heavier than 20 pounds as it may increase the bleeding chances.
- You need to be more careful when walking, showering, or driving. After surgery, you are likely to feel imbalanced or dizzy for a few days or weeks post-surgery.
- Always sneeze with the mouth open and do not strain whatsoever to avoid further complications
Ear surgery is medically called otoplasty and is performed to correct any structural birth defects or to correct any problems with the shape of the ear because of injury. Otoplasty can improve the position, shape, and proportion of the ear.
Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is also popular and another type of ear surgery that is performed on the delicate structures inside the middle ear. This is a minimally invasive surgery and patients do not complain of much pain or discomfort.
Benefits of Ear Surgery in Bangalore
- Remedies structural defects of the ear
- Rectifies problems with the shape of the ears
- Loss of hearing
- Problems with balance
- Infections in the brain
- Facial paralysis
Get access to the best healthcare services with goficure services
Goficure team has the wherewithal to ensure you get the best surgeon for your ear surgery in Bangalore. This is because we already work with specialists in ear surgery. We can save you time and effort researching all this information from scratch.
What you get when you collaborate with us:
- Complete healthcare services from planning to completion
- Scheduling consultation appointments with the best specialist in Bangalore
- Fixing date for surgery
- Organising hospital admission and discharge
- Pick up and drop back and forth
- Taking full responsibility for insurance claims
- Facilitating care after surgery
- Enabling nutritionist advice and diet chart
Sometimes we put off seeking medical assistance imagining the long-drawn process. With goficure, you can get quality healthcare from the best specialist for the condition.
Exclusive features you get with goficure
1. Dedicated Medi-Pal
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to you. Your Medi-Pal will be your one point contact throughout the treatment and post-op period. They will always be available for you
2. Quick doctor’s appointments
After understanding your concerns, your Medi-Pal will schedule your consultation with a specialist doctor. Your doctor will carry out necessary tests and advise the course of treatment
3. Hassle-free treatment
If you opt to get the surgery done, goficure will take care of it completely. Right from booking your surgery, claiming your insurance to being with you throughout the procedure, your Medi-Pal will do it all
4. Post-op recovery support
Your Medi-Pal would ensure quick recovery. This includes booking your follow up consultations and helping you with doctor-recommended steps for diet & exercise
Guarantees
Smooth and hassle-free
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Why Goficure?
Specialist doctors
Our doctors are vetted for their experience and skills. Rest assured, you are in safe hands. The best treatment for your condition is delivered all the time
Medi-Pal assistance
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to take care of the entire process. This includes booking your appointments, scheduling the surgery, handling your documentation including claiming insurance, discharge, and post-op recovery
Affordability
Goficure delivers high-quality treatment to you at affordable prices. Superior treatment and best quality of service is assured while keeping costs reasonable
Post procedure care and follow-ups
Our engagement doesn't end after your surgery. It continue until you go back to your normal life. Free diet and exercise consultations during your recovery phase are offered to ensure a quick recovery
Comparison
With so many options, are you wondering what the right choice for your condition is? While you can opt for either an open surgery or a laser surgery, numerous studies have shown that laser surgeries are far more effective. Be it the duration of the procedure, post-operative pain or recovery time, laser surgeries always outrank open surgeries and are therefore, a better choice. Here is a quick comparison that will help you decide your course of action.
What you don’t undergo with goficure
1. Long waiting lines
2. Lack of personalized attention
3. Excessive billing/hidden charges
4. Running around for your treatment
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