Ear Surgery/Otoplasty
Ear deformity at an early age specially at birth or during the 1st month of life could be address by splinting technique. Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to children above the age of five or six, to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Ears are almost fully grown by then, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery in either age group.
Most surgeons' recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure or in a hospital that may require admission (usually for pediatric patients). Occasionally, your surgeon may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure depending on the patient age and other medical condition. The Surgeon makes a small incision at the back of the ear . He will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-absorbable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon may remove a piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. In less complicated cases, skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without reshaping cartilage. This is done either under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's age. In most cases, there is a faint scar at the back of the ear that will fade with time.
Individuals planning to undergo otoplasty are prepared prior to scheduled surgery. Patients are advised to avoid the following for 2 to 3 weeks before surgery; smoking, alcoholic beverages, steroids, NSAIDs or pain medications like mefenamic acids and naproxen, herbal tea, herbal medications, Vitamin E, blood thinning medications like aspirin, heparin and coumadin, regulated drugs like valum, prohibited drugs like methamphetamines, diet pills and oral contraceptive pills. These medications and social activity may delay healing, prolong bleeding during surgery and may interact with the medications used during surgery. It is advised that patients discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risks and complications.
Prospective patients planning to have this procedure are required to allot 12 to 14 days. This time will be used for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow up, suture removal and early recuperation. After this patient is safe to travel since wounds are dry and healed.
Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
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. Another surgery may be necessary.
The decision to have otoplasty is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
Possible risks and complications:
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Nose asymmetry
• Change in skin sensation (numbness)
• Pain, which may persist
• Unfavorable scarring
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration and swelling
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Possibility of revision surgery
For more information you may visit www.cosmeticphilippines.com or www.philcosmeticplasticsurgery.com
Author:
Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Filipino Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Manila, Philippines. He is a Board Certified and fully trained Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, with 6 years of formal training in the field of Aesthetic, Reconstructive and Burn Plastic Surgery. Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Fellow of the Philippines Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
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Resource box text: "Dr R Lorenzo is the author of http://www.philippinecosmetic.com , a free guide to affordable cosmetic plastic procedures, choosing the right surgeon and safety tips in cosmetic plastic surgery, affordable and safe cosmetic surgery tourism"
Occupation: Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Rino Lorenzo have a high sense of responsibility, devotion to duty, compassion to patients and above all a fervent desire to learn and excel in his chosen field. Dr. Lorenzo is Board Certified in plastic surgery, he is a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and fellow of the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS).
Coming from a well-known family of doctors, Dr. Rino Lorenzo is the eleventh child of the late Dr. Felipe Lorenzo Sr., a surgeon, and Dra. Peregrina Lorenzo, an anesthesiologist. He is the ninth member of the family to become a doctor. The medical profession of both his parents greatly influenced his decision to pursue a career in the medical field.
Dr Rino Lorenzo practices plastic surgery in a compassionate manner, combines excellent training with a caring and attentive bedside manner. He has years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr Rino graduated from the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology as his preparatory course to medicine. He then took his medical education at the same institution, graduating within the top ten percentile of his class. With his special interest in the field of surgery, he underwent training in general surgery at the Philippine General Hospital Medical Center (PGH). Dr Lorenzo had his years of formal training in Plastic Surgery from the University of the Philippines Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training program where he served as Chief Resident of the Department of Surgery during his senior year.
Dr Rino performs a variety of aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries including, dermabrasion, cleft lip, palate, and other congenital defects; scar revision; surgery of physical malformation and malfunction as a result of trauma and burns; and even maxillofacial injuries. In terms of aesthetics, Dr. Rino is also an expert in full body contouring, liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgery, facial rejuvenation, breast lift, breast reduction, buttocks augmentation, cheek and chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, upper and lower eyes rejuvenation and injectables such as Botox, Dermal Fillers like Restylane and Perlane.
He is one of the cosmetic plastic consultants at the Borough Medical Care Institute, a center for beauty and wellness that aims to provide safe and quality results in plastic cosmetic surgery. Together with a team of certified plastic surgeons, the group would like to bring back professionalism in this field of medicine by adhering to the right and safe procedures. Dr Rino Lorenzo is also affiliated with several medical center in Metro Manila were he practice cosmetic, reconstructive and burn plastic surgery.
For more information you may visit www.cosmeticphilippines.com or www.philcosmeticplasticsurgery.com
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