Can cosmetic ear surgery improve the way a person looks? Sometimes, the ears have a genetic defect; other times they are simply out of proportion for a person in relation to the head size and shape. Sometimes they have been damaged due to an accident and need surgery in order to correct them.
Here are some of the myths surrounding ear cosmetic procedures.
- It is best to wait until the person is an adult to treat the ear surgically. This is incorrect. Otoplasty can already be performed during the first grade.
- Ears aren’t fully developed until adolescence. That’s not true. The human ear is fully mature at the age of six years.
- Microtia is a common congenital deformity among girls. This isn’t correct. This is a growth defect, which is more common in boys.
- Birth defects always occur on both sides. No, this is a myth. These problems often appear only on one side, either left or right.
- Children born with microtia (a congenital deformity) cannot hear at all. This is incorrect. The part that is responsible for hearing is the inner ear. Microtia affects the outer ear, making it smaller and slightly deformed. When the inside is intact, the ear is able to pick up sounds.
- Reconstruction operation is carried out in a lengthy operation. This is false. This procedure is usually performed in two, three or four steps, depending on which technique is chosen.
- The components of bone reconstruction are plastic. This isn’t true. Most of the material is from the rib cartilage. Some parts of the ribs are rebuilt on a new skeleton for the ear.
- Deformities are extremely common. This is false. This birth defect occurs only in one of every 6,000 to 12,000 births.
- No one knows why microtia happens. False again. There are several theories about this birth defect. One is that prescription drugs are to blame. Another is that it happens when pregnant women are exposed to toxic substances. Another argument is that it is something in the genetic predisposition of one of the parents.
- Otoplasty is a frivolous cosmetic procedure. That is very untrue. An individual with large protruding ears is the subject of taunts and insults throughout his childhood. The child’s self-esteem can suffer greatly and the person may withdraw into depression or social isolation.
- Any doctor can perform restoration or cosmetic operations. This isn’t the case. A specialist in cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is a necessity for these complex procedures.
When is the best time to have cosmetic ear surgery? It is best to get word of mouth referrals to qualified doctors and go for an initial consultation to see the feasibility of the operation. Improved appearance can lead to a better quality of life.
