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1. What is Otoplasty?
2. How is Otoplasty performed?
3. Where are the incisions made?
4. What should I expect post-operatively?
5. Is it quite painful? Is there much bruising?
6. When will I be able to see the results?
7. What are the risks of Otoplasty?
8. What is Arnica montana, I have heard that it reduces swelling and
bruising? Which is the best kind to take?
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Otoplasty Page
Otoplasty is the repair of
abnormalities of the external portion of the ear and is a very commonly requested
operation. The results are very satisfying to the patient and family and often the outlook
of the patient will change dramatically after the operation. This is particularly true
with children. When ears protrude notably or are abnormal in some way, children are often
teased by their peers. They are generally self conscious and in some instances are shy and
introverted solely due to the constant teasing of their friends. Adults will often wear
their hair in ways that will hide the ears. Many a mother has recounted how the
personality of their child blossomed after Otoplasty. Some have noted improvement in
school grades.
Except in children, the operation
is performed using Light Sleep Anesthesia. In children less than eight the operation is
always performed under general anesthesia. All incisions are placed behind the ear so
there are no visible scars after the operation. If the ears are protruding they may be
rotated back. If some of the natural folds are missing they are created.
Missing or
abnormal sections of the ear may be constructed from tissues taken from other parts of the
ear or from other areas of the body. Ears that have been injured, most commonly in
wrestling, and are thickened can be thinned and sculpted. At the end of the operation a
pressure dressing is worn.
The operation is generally
performed in children around age six. The child generally follows instructions well
because (s)he is so happy to have the problem repaired and pleased with the results.
The incisions will generally be made in the most
inconspicuous places as behind the ear or within the natural folds and curvatures of the
ear structure. Discuss with your doctor the incisions he plans on making for your desired
results. Some removal of cartilage may be necessary.
The pressure dressing is removed
after five to seven days. Children should be kept relatively quiet during that time.
The
dressing should not get wet. After removal of the dressing, a sweat band should be worn,
at night only, to protect the ears until the end of the sixth post-operative week.
Normal
non-strenuous activity may be resumed two days after surgery. The patient should refrain
from bending over for 3 weeks, keeping the head higher than the heart during that time.
Nor should the patient sleep on his side for 3 weeks. Routine exercise may begin at the
end of the fourth post-operative week. Contact sports may be restarted at the end of the
sixth post-operative week.
It takes about a week and a half
for most of the swelling to subside, although it will be sensitive to light to medium
pressure for about 3 weeks. There is really not much bruising with average cases, although
it should be looked upon as individual. Some are prone to bruising more than others.
Some
doctors prescribe a pharmaceutical grade Arnica montana product called
SinEcch and a topical ointment as well. These
two products are thought to decrease both bruising and swelling in all procedures and in
most cases have shown a significant decrease in both complaints. There is normally very
little pain involved post-operatively. Also look into Bromelain.
You shouldn't even peek at it for
5 to 7 days until the
pressure dressing is removed. If you do it could increase infection or the results may be
altered by your tampering. Abide by your doctor's instructions and do not attempt to
remove the bandages unless he/she specifically instructs it. After your dressings are
removed you will see an immediate difference in the protuberance of the ear.
Even though
there will be some residual swelling, the results are generally very satisfying to the
patient.
Back to Top
The risks of the operation are
bleeding and infection. Both are exceedingly rare. With proper post-operative care this is
a very safe and satisfying operation that carries very little risk, beautiful results, and
almost no discomfort from the operation itself.
The patient should note that the ears can often feel numb for 2 to 3 months after the
operation. The sensation returns slowly over that time. This is the reason that there is
generally no pain in the post-operative period. This fact makes the operation
exceptionally well tolerated in children.
also
known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane
and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb,
growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of
which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The
rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry
rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures,
although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland.
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like
many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal
cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and
suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without
proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should
be consumed.
Bromelain
from the plant of the:
Pineapple
also known as: Ananas, Nanas, Pina
plant family: Bromeliaceae
type: herbaceous
perennial
parts used: mostly in the stems of pineapples, but some fruit is used as
well.
description: 2 1/2 to 5 ft. high with a spread of 3 to 4 ft. The plant is
like a thick stem with a rosette of wide, waxy leaves. These pointed
green, red, and white/off white striped leaves are approximately 18 - 70 inches
long and graced with a spiny needle-like tip. The
plant produces a sweet to tangy and sometimes sour fruit that is yellow to white
in color. The unpeeled fruit is brownish with a hard, spiky covering and a large
green sprout from it crown. The fruit is shaped like a coffee can with rounded
ends and is about 10-12 inches long usually when considered prime and may even
weigh up to 10 lbs.
habitat: Indigenous
to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit
is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala,
Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid
places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more
northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.
Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula
containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples.
Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used
after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help
with swelling.
Other products or supplements
that you may heard of or have been recommended may be Vitamin A,
Vitamin K or Vitamin C - please discuss these with your surgeon if you are
interested or have questions.
ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST
BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.
Read more on Arnica
Montana?
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Otoplasty Page
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This page was last updated: 03/31/2006
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