Otoplasty helps improve function and form of the inner and outer ear.
Otoplasty is a procedure used to reconstruct the appearance of the outer ear. This type of procedure may be right for you if you have recently experienced traumatic deformation of your external ear or if your child was born with microtia. Performed by plastic surgeons, the main function of this type of surgery is to improve overall aesthetic appearance. However, by improving the size and shape of the pinna, a plastic surgeon is also able to improve the functionality of the ear and collect sound waves to transmit to the brain.
It is important to keep in mind that otoplasty is only available to patients of a certain age. Cartilage is required to perform a successful procedure and is usually harvested from other areas of the body. As such, the body must have developed to a particular point in order to have enough cartilage to harvest. When this procedure was initially developed and used on child patients, it was believed that children who are six years of age have enough cartilage in their rib cage to help create a new external ear. However, as advances in technologies and techniques have evolved, it is now believed that delaying surgery until the patient is ten years old is most ideal. This helps the patient have a better outcome and a more detailed ear reconstruction.
Otoplasty can also be used to improve functionality by increasing the inner ear canal and middle ear. These components can be created at the same time as the outer ear reconstruction in order to coordinate the development of normal hearing. As noted above, most physicians advise that small children wait until at least ten years of age before performing this procedure. Often, recreation of the inner and middle ear canals can occur before the external ear. However, this can cause problems with external ear otoplasty and inner ear reconstruction occasionally makes outer ear reconstruction impossible.
Contact a plastic surgeon in your area today to determine if this procedure is right for you. Your physician will be able to answer any questions you may have and determine a plan that will help you achieve the aesthetic and functional goals that you desire. Otoplasty is a great way to improve your appearance and the functionality of your ears. You don't have to live with malformed or traumatic injuries. You may find that your overall quality of life improves as your ability to hear improves. This is especially important in children that are learning essential language skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.
If you are planning to have an otoplasty, you'll want to research your options first to choose the doctor that can help. Learn more at http://www.atlantaear.com.
