Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, is a relatively less invasive plastic surgery procedure. But some risks and complications which are inherent to any surgical procedure also apply to ear surgery.
The choice to undergo otoplasty is a personal one, and the patient should evaluate the potential benefits and risks to make the right decision.
During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about the potential risks and safety aspects to enable them to make an enlightened decision. The patient will also have to sign consent forms stating that they have understood the procedure, the alternative treatment options available, and the potential side effects.
If a small child is undergoing the procedure, their parents or guardians will have a vital role in making the decision regarding the procedure. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear reshaping surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Bleeding (Hematoma)
In rare cases, there may be bleeding in the wounds during otoplasty surgery or during the recovery phase. The surgeon can reduce this risk by cautiously determining any underlying health condition of the patient and making sure that they do not take blood thinners, NSAIDs and specific types of herbal supplements and vitamins for a few days prior to the surgery.
Blood Clotting
Another rare risk associated with otoplasty is blood clot formation. In case the patient has a history of clot formation, they will be at an increased risk. The surgeon will assess the medical records of the patient to identify such matters. On their part, the patient should volunteer pertinent medical information for their own safety.
Asymmetry
Otoplasty may be undertaken in one or both ears. There is a risk of asymmetry in either case. While both ears are never entirely symmetrical or identical, they should appear natural.
Infection
Similar to any surgical procedure, the risk of infection is inherent to otoplasty. The surgical facility should be sterile and hygienic. After the surgery, the patient should not expose the incision sites to contaminants. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics for some days to reduce the risk of infection after the cosmetic surgery.
Slow Healing
In a few cases, the post-operative healing may be slow, and the wound may heal poorly. Patients who smoke are typically at a higher risk of slow healing. For this reason, the surgeon will ask the patient to avoid smoking for a specified duration before their otoplasty procedure.
Poor Anesthesia Reaction
Ear reshaping surgery may be undertaken on children using general anesthesia. Adults may undergo the procedure with local anesthesia and sedation. Some patients may experience a poor response to anesthesia. An anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist should oversee the patient’s reaction during the procedure to identify any concerns in a prompt manner.
The other risks associated with ear reshaping surgery are numbness, unwanted scarring, skin discoloration, prolonged inflammation, and the possibility of revision surgery. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for ear reshaping surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
