Cosmetic surgery may seem a luxury amongst adults, but for many children it may prove a necessity. Emma Bangay investigates Otoplasty.
Otoplasty is the procedure of correcting defects and deformities via reshaping, moving or augmentation of the cartilaginous framework of the external ear to create one of natural proportions, size and shape. “Today, Otoplasty is an incredibly common procedure, but it’s been around for decades,” explains Dr William Mooney, leading Australian cosmetic and ENT surgeon. “Also known as ‘ear pinning’ it is an effective procedure used to correct any unusual external ear physicality that can prove the bane of many a child – and adult,” he highlights.
Cosmetic Surgery for Kids?
When you look into the underlying and ongoing psychological and social problems that can arise from appearance-linked childhood teasing, research supports Otoplasty as a positive step. “Otoplasty is unique as it is the only purely cosmetic procedure that is routinely performed upon kids, usually before the age of five,” explains Dr Mooney.
“Studies have shown that if your ears stick out more than 14mm from the side of your head when measured from the back you are perceived as appearing a little ‘wacky’ and, if young, this can lead to teasing and bullying in childhood,” he says.
“Ears have achieved their full size by the age of five,” he continues. “As this coincides with most children starting school, it makes perfect sense to consider Otoplasty by this age in cases that really require it,” he says. “As a father myself, it would be the obvious choice.”
There the other ‘peak’ age for this procedure during formative years – aside from school beginners – and that is after they finish school, meaning that even going into adulthood, the problem can be easily resolved, and confidence restored.
The Results:
There is no grey line with Otoplasty. It is purely a cosmetic – not medical – procedure that can correct several commonalities in ears including:
- ‘Bat’ Ears: the technical name for ears that stick out too far.
- ‘Lop’ Ear: When the ear tip seems to fold down or forward.
- ‘Bowl’ irregularities: Situations where the ‘bowl’ of the ear is too deep, the folds are unfolded or there is asymmetry, explains Dr Mooney.
- Oversized Ears: Otoplasty is also used to resize the external ear to become more aligned with the shape of the head.
- ‘Shell’ Ear: Where the curve or outer cartilage rim of the external ear is missing, therefor disrupting the natural folds and creases of the ear.
- Cupped Ear; Very small ears with undersized folds can also be treated.
The Pain Factor:
Pain and discomfort is minimal, with a general anesthetic administered prior to the procedure, explains Dr Mooney. “This is technically an exacting procedure, so a general anesthetic is administered prior to surgery,” he explains. Any incision is made behind the ear where the correction is performed, ensuring that possible future scarring is easily and effortlessly covered. After the procedure, a headdress is required for only a week following to aid healing.