Surgery corrects a defect in the structure of the ears present from birth, which becomes apparent with development, or treats deformed ears caused by injury. Otoplasty creates a natural shape, giving balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of minor deformities can benefit appearance and self-esteem.

• Very large ears – a rare condition called macrotia;
• Protruding ears that occur on one or both sides to varying degrees – not associated with hearing loss;
• Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery.

Otoplasty is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to satisfy someone else's desires or to conform to any type of ideal image.

• Healthy children, without life-threatening illnesses or untreated chronic ear infections;
• Generally children aged five years, or when the ear cartilage is already stable enough for correction;
• Cooperative children who follow medical recommendations;
• Children able to express what they feel and do not express objections during the surgery discussion.

• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that could impair healing;
• Non smokers;
• Individuals with a positive vision and specific results goals.

The success and safety of the procedure largely depends on your sincerity during the consultation. You will be asked about your health, desires and lifestyle.

• The reason why you want to have the surgery, your expectations and the desired result;
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments;
• Current use of medications, vitamins, natural medicines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
• Previous surgeries.

• Assess your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors;
• Take photos for medical records;
• Discuss your options and recommend treatment;
• Discuss likely results of surgery and any potential risks or complications .

Before surgery, it may be necessary to:
• Take laboratory tests or medical evaluation;
• Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications;
• Stop smoking well before surgery;
• Avoid taking aspirin and some anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can increase bleeding.

• What to do on the day of surgery;
• The use of anesthesia during the procedure;
• Post-operative care.

Be sure to ask someone to accompany you and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

The decision to undergo otoplasty is a personal one and it is up to you to decide whether the benefits will achieve your goals and whether the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The plastic surgeon and/or assistants will explain in detail the risks associated with the surgery. You must sign the consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or complications.

• Bleeding (bruise);
• Asymmetry;
• Infection;
• Poor healing;
• Change in skin sensitivity;
• Irregular contours in the skin;
• Skin discoloration/swelling;
• Risks of anesthesia;
• Scars;
• Allergies to tape, suture material, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents;
• Pain, which may last;
• Possibility of a new surgical procedure.

It is very important to ask the surgeon questions about the procedure. It's natural to feel a little anxiety, whether it's anticipation about your new appearance or pre-operative stress. Don't be ashamed to discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

The procedure must be carried out in a safe and comfortable place for the doctor and the patient, in a surgical center authorized by the Health Surveillance, with equipment and trained staff for any complications.

After surgery, bandages or dressings will be applied to the surgical site to keep it clean, protect it from trauma, and to support the ear's new position during initial healing.

How to care for your ears after surgery, medications to apply or take orally to help with healing and reduce the risk of infection, and post-operative follow-up with the plastic surgeon.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or an abnormal heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. If any of these complications occur, you may need hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, requiring further surgery.

Following your doctor's recommendations is essential for the success of the surgery. It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or movement during the healing period.

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include local and intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The Incision

Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelix (just inside the edge of the ear) and to reduce the turbinate cartilage (the largest, deepest concavity of the outer ear). Otoplasty incisions are usually made behind the ear. When incisions are necessary in the front of the ear, they are made in the folds to hide them. Internally, non-removable suture is used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

External stitches close the incisions. The techniques are individualized, taking care not to deform other structures.

Step 4 – Results

Otoplasty offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, as soon as the dressings that support the new shape of the ear are removed. With the ear permanently positioned close to the head, surgical scars are hidden behind the ear or in its natural folds.

It is normal to experience discomfort immediately after surgery, which can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itching sensation under the bandages. It is important that they remain intact and are not removed in any way. If this recommendation is not followed, it may result in the loss of part of the correction, requiring further surgery.

• Where will I remain in recovery after surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will a dressing be necessary after surgery? When will it be removed?
• Will the stitches be removed? When?
• When will I be able to resume normal activities and exercise?
• When will the return appointment be?

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve the best results with a single surgical procedure, requiring a new surgery.

Otoplasty offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible as soon as the dressings that support the new shape of the ear are removed. Because the ear is permanently positioned close to the head, surgical scars are hidden behind the ear or in its natural folds.

Results from more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear over time.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon's fees may vary depending on their experience and the type of procedure performed.

• Surgeon's fees;
• Hospital or surgical center expenses;
• Anesthetist's fees;
• Medical exams.

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform this procedure, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him or her are as important as the final cost of the surgery.

• Anti-helix: Fold inside the edge of the ear.
• Concha: The largest and deepest concavity of the external ear.
• Constricted ear: Presents different degrees of protrusion, reduced circumference and folds, and low positioning of the ear.
• Cryptotia: Also called hidden ear, it occurs when the upper edge of the ear is below a fold of the scalp, secondary to the abnormal folding of the cartilage in the upper part of the ear, towards the head. The fold is the opposite of that commonly seen in protruding ears.
• Axis of the ear: The main line of growth of the ear.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during surgery to relieve pain and reduce consciousness.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives given by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Macrotia: Excessively large ears, a rare condition.
• Microtia: The most complex congenital deformity of the ear, when the external ear resembles a rudimentary structure, or has parts more similar to the turbinate and tragus or other characteristics of normal ears. The ear canal may or may not be missing. Hearing is impaired at different levels.
• Otoplasty: Surgical procedure, also known as ear surgery, to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.

Use this list as a guide during your consultation:

• Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• Is the installation of the surgical center in your office authorized by the Health Surveillance?
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• What is the recovery time and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
• How are complications treated?