Otoplasty, ear reconstruction surgery

English subtitled video

The ear reconstruction surgery requires an individual evaluation of the problem, this way, the therapist can give the option that is most appropriate.

Clínica Sanza in Barcelona, Spain, is a centre of reference for the otoplasty treatment.

WHERE DO WE OPERATE?

At Clínica Sanza we rely on the Sagrat Cor Hospital, part of the Quirónsalud group, to perform our surgical procedures.
Its prestige, facilities, medical and healthcare staff, as well as its technology are a guarantee.

BARCELONA: A HEALTH HUB

Do you want to know why it is worth coming to Barcelona for plastic surgery and why so many people come from abroad?

PATIENT’S PROFILE

People who are deformed by traumatic causes such as tumors, accidents or scars.

People who are born with anotia or microtia, that is, without ears or very small ears.

PROCEDURE

It is usually more complex than aesthetic otoplasty. It may require 2 or 3 surgical interventions, first providing the skin and then cartilage or prosthesis to form the new ear.

DURATION OF THE SURGERY

From 3 to 4 hours.

PROTOCOL

Preoperative

Evaluation of the area to determine the appropriateness of the treatment.
Follow specific guidelines determined by the doctor.
Blood tests, cardiac and respiratory status if needed.

Anesthesia

Local and sedation, or general.

Hospitalization

From 24h to 48h if rib cartilage is required.

Postoperative

Bandage covering both heads.
Removing the bandage at 48 hours.
Stitch removal between 10 and 15 days.
Medication if required.
Mandatory revisions after a few days, a few weeks and a few months, according to prescription.

Convalescence

Do not clean wounds until 4 or 5 days.
Do not do risk sports until 30 days.
Avoid direct exposure of the wound to the sun during this time.

RESULTS

They usually require several retouches until they even the ears.
Improvement of the patient’s psychological profile and self-esteem.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Medium – high intervention.

LEVEL OF RISK

Medium – high.
Risks of this intervention: posible recurrence that needs retouching.
Risks of all interventions: haemorrhage, infection, impaired healing.

BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS

Whatever your case may be, do not hesitate in contacting us.

Clínica Sanza in Barcelona, Spain, quality service

Frequently asked questions about ear reconstruction surgery

What is ear reconstruction?

It’s the assortment of surgical and non-surgical procedures that we have to repair a damaged ear. The reconstruction is done using the patient’s own tissue or by means of implants. Ears can be reconstructed for the following reasons: Congenital malformations such as microtia Acquired deformities due to: trauma, tumours and/or burns.

What is microtia?

The microtic ear or microtia is a very small-sized ear. It is a congenital malformation related to an incomplete development of the ear in the fetal stage that occurs uni or bilaterally. When the case is more severe, the total absence may occur and is known as anothy. They are often associated with inner ear problems. It is always advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to rule out any hearing problems.

At what age can microtic ear correction surgery be performed?

Many of the patients with microtia present psychological and emotional alterations and at the same time it is known that the malformations tend to provoke rejection of their social group. To avoid this is why we suggest, in Clínica Sanza, that the surgery should be performed in school age: between 7 and 8 years when the development of the ear has reached 85% approximately. Reconstruction due to acquired deformities can be performed whenever the patient wishes, as long as the patient is not less than 8 years old.

What are the methods of ear reconstruction?

It can be done in three ways: Replacement with prosthesis. Reconstruction with a prosthetic frame. Reconstruction with autologous cartilage frame.

What type of anesthesia is used in ear reconstruction?

Ear reconstruction surgery may be performed, depending on the case, under local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia. The important thing is that the patient is calm and not perceive any pain.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration is very variable depending on the aetiology of the malformation and the complexity. Normally, between 1 and 3 hours. In many of the severe cases it is necessary to perform the reconstruction in several stages.

What is the post-operative care?

Postoperative care is essential for the successful reconstruction of the auricle. Much of the success of any surgery depends on postoperative care, this recommendation applies particularly to children, to avoid complications. The newly constructed ear is permanently observed by the surgeon to prevent the development of signs of infection or vascular compromise. In any case, the patient receives antibiotic medication to prevent this eventuality.

Can perfect symmetry be achieved?

When it happens in both ears the reconstruction is more tedious but the result of symmetry is better. When it only happens in one ear it is necessary to make small touch-ups to match the affected ear with the contralateral.