The majority of plastic surgeries are performed after adolescence. The most important exception of this is the reconstruction of cauliflower ear. Because, unlike other organs, the ears complete 90% of their development around 5 years of age. Reconstruction of ear can be done as of this age.
Being a potential joke material especially amongst school-aged children, this deformity can cause serious psychological and social problems; it can also affect educational success. Due to the fact that the ear folds are not sufficiently formed, the angle with the head may be larger than normal.
In this case, the ears are seen larger than they should be. However, although the size of the ear is the same, the difference in the shape of the cartilage causes a misperception. Cauliflower ear deformity is congenital or genetic.
If school-age children worry about their ears because of the negative reactions from their circles, the reconstruction Recontructive Ear Surgery should be considered. If you feel such a problem with your child, you should first consult a specialist in child psychology.
If the specialist recommends surgery as well, the person who will help you is plastic surgeons. For adults who wish to have reconstructive ear surgery, psychologist recommendation is not necessary.
It is important that the surgeon and the family inform the child together about the operation. What is going to be done, what the child will go through and the results should be explained in short and understandable language. This is necessary for the child to be comfortable and not to experience fears.
Reconstructive ear surgeries are simple and smooth.
The Surgery
The operation is performed under hospital conditions. Depending on the condition of the patient, general or local anesthesia is chosen. A small incision is made right behind the ear. The cartilages are shaped with permanent sutures through the incision within 1-1.5 hours. As the incision is already behind the ear, it is simply hidden. The patient is discharged on the same day. Bandages are removed after 2-3 days and the patient can shower from then on. It is recommended to protect the ears with a headband up to 10 days after the surgery.
The experience of the surgeon in these operations is important. Since it is a double organ, it is necessary to ensure symmetry and to calculate the ear angle precisely.
A nicely done reconstructive ear surgery makes a great contribution to the improvement and happiness of the patient’s psychology.