Ear surgery (otoplasty) in Medellín

Otoplasty is surgery on the ears. Many people search for it as “ear pinning,” “ears that stick out” or “protruding ears.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it improves the shape, position and proportion of the ear. It is used for ears that stick out, on one side or both; for very large ears (macrotia); and for adults who were not happy with a previous ear surgery. The ASPS points out that prominent ears are not linked to hearing loss.

The incision usually goes on the back of the ear; if one is needed in front, it is hidden in the ear’s folds. According to the ASPS, in ears that stick out, the fold that runs just inside the rim (the antihelix) is created or made more defined and, if the cartilage of the bowl of the ear (the concha) is enlarged, it is reduced. Internal stitches, which are not removed, hold the cartilage in its new shape. There is no single technique for everyone: your surgeon chooses it after examining you. If you also want to change your nose or your chin, mention it at your consultation; your surgeon decides whether it makes sense to do it in the same surgery.

It is done in adults and in children from about age 6. According to the ASPS, the person having surgery should be healthy and, if they are a teen or an adult, should not smoke. It is better to wait, and talk it over with your surgeon, if:

• There are untreated chronic ear infections.
• There is a medical condition that makes healing harder.
• The child objects when the surgery comes up, or can’t follow instructions well yet.
• The goal is to please someone else, not yourself.

Every surgery has risks, and this one does too. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks.
• Asymmetry.
• Bleeding (hematoma) and blood clots.
• Infection.
• Changes in skin sensation.
• Pain that may persist.
• Poor wound healing or unfavorable scarring.
• Skin discoloration, swelling or irregularities.
• Allergy to tape, sutures or other products used.
• Possible need for revision surgery.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you, and you sign an informed consent form.

The surgery is done in the licensed operating rooms at Q2, never in a doctor’s office, and you need pre-op tests first. The ASPS also advises quitting smoking well ahead of time and avoiding aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, because they can increase bleeding. Don’t stop or change any medication on your own: go over everything you take with your specialist. Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you at least the first night. You’ll find the step-by-step process on our international patients page.

For the first week you wear a bandage around your head and, from week 2 to week 6, a headband to sleep in. According to the ASPS, do not take the bandage off on your own for any reason: you could lose part of the correction and need another surgery. It may itch underneath. While you heal, protect the incisions from bumps, rubbing, sun and tanning beds. You get clear instructions, pain relievers for the discomfort of the first few days and follow-up visits until you are discharged. If you notice anything that worries you, let your surgeon know.