What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a specialized procedure to reshape, resize, or reposition the ears for improved aesthetic balance and facial harmony. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, performs otoplasty to address cosmetic concerns like prominent or asymmetrical ears and reconstructive needs such as congenital deformities (e.g., microtia, Stahl’s ear). Suitable for adults and children aged 5 or older, otoplasty enhances confidence by creating natural-looking ears that complement facial features. Dr. Mukami employs advanced techniques, including cartilage-sparing and cartilage-cutting methods, to achieve precise results with minimal scarring, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

Performed in an accredited outpatient facility, otoplasty offers permanent results with a focus on patient comfort and safety, making it an effective solution for both aesthetic and functional ear concerns.

Benefits of Otoplasty

• Enhanced Facial Harmony: Repositions or reshapes ears to complement facial proportions, improving overall aesthetics.
• Boosted Confidence: Alleviates self-consciousness about ear appearance, particularly for children facing social challenges or adults seeking a refined profile.
• Corrects Prominent Ears: Pins back protruding ears closer to the head for a streamlined, balanced look.
• Minimal Scarring: Incisions are hidden behind the ears or in natural creases, fading to near invisibility within 6–12 months.
• Permanent Results: Ear cartilage stabilizes post-surgery, ensuring lifelong outcomes with proper care.
• Suitable for All Ages: Safe for children (5+) and adults, addressing congenital, traumatic, or aesthetic concerns.
• Improved Profile Aesthetics: Enhances side profiles, making hairstyles like ponytails or short cuts more flattering.

Who is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is ideal for individuals who:

• Are in good general health with no uncontrolled conditions (e.g., diabetes, bleeding disorders) that impair healing.
• Have prominent, asymmetrical, oversized, or misshapen ears (e.g., Stahl’s ear, lop ear, cup ear) affecting appearance or confidence.
• Are at least 5 years old, when ear cartilage is sufficiently developed for stable, predictable results.
• Seek correction of congenital deformities (e.g., microtia) or trauma-related ear damage (e.g., burns, lacerations).
• Have realistic expectations, understanding that results enhance natural features rather than achieve perfection.
• For children, have parental consent and emotional maturity to cooperate with postoperative care.
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit 2–4 weeks before and after surgery to optimize healing.
• Do not have active ear infections, chronic otitis media, or skin conditions affecting the surgical site.

During a consultation, Dr. Mukami assesses ear anatomy using 3D imaging or manual measurements, discusses aesthetic goals, and evaluates medical history to ensure otoplasty is appropriate, possibly recommending complementary procedures for optimal facial balance.

Otoplasty Techniques

Dr. Mukami customizes otoplasty techniques based on the patient’s needs:

• Ear Pinning (Pinnaplasty): Repositions protruding ears closer to the head using permanent sutures to anchor cartilage, ideal for prominent ears.
• Ear Reduction: Removes excess cartilage and skin to reduce oversized ears (macrotia), preserving natural contours.
• Ear Reshaping: Sculpts cartilage to correct deformities like Stahl’s ear, lop ear, or asymmetry, using cartilage-sparing or cutting techniques.
• Reconstructive Otoplasty: Rebuilds ears affected by congenital anomalies (e.g., microtia) or trauma, often using rib cartilage grafts or synthetic implants.
• Revision Otoplasty: Corrects complications or unsatisfactory results from prior ear surgeries, addressing issues like over-correction or asymmetry.

Dr. Mukami selects cartilage-sparing techniques (e.g., Mustarde sutures) for less invasive corrections or cartilage-cutting methods (e.g., scoring, wedge excision) for complex deformities, ensuring natural results with minimal complications.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with sedation for adults or general anesthesia for children, taking 1–3 hours depending on complexity:

1. Preoperative Consultation: Dr. Mukami maps ear anatomy, designs the surgical plan, and discusses outcomes. Patients are advised to avoid blood thinners (e.g., aspirin), smoking, and alcohol for 2 weeks prior.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered for a pain-free experience, tailored to patient age and comfort.
3. Incisions: Small incisions (2–4 cm) are made behind the ears or within natural creases (e.g., antihelical fold) to minimize visible scarring.
4. Cartilage Adjustment: Cartilage is reshaped using sutures (e.g., Mustarde or Furnas) for pinning, or excised/scored for reduction or reshaping, ensuring natural contours.
5. Skin Adjustment: Excess skin is trimmed, and remaining skin is redraped smoothly to avoid puckering or tension.
6. Closure: Incisions are closed with absorbable or non-absorbable sutures, and a sterile dressing or headband is applied to protect the ears.
7. Post-Procedure: Patients are monitored briefly and discharged the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

Dr. Mukami’s precision minimizes trauma, using fine suture materials (e.g., 5-0 Prolene) and sterile techniques to ensure optimal healing and aesthetic outcomes.

Risks and Considerations

Otoplasty is a low-risk procedure, but potential complications include:

• Swelling and Bruising: Common for 1–2 weeks, managed with head elevation and cold compresses.
• Hematoma: Rare blood collection under the skin, treatable with drainage if detected early.
• Infection: Uncommon with proper sterile technique, managed with antibiotics if it occurs.
• Asymmetry: Minor differences between ears, correctable with revision if significant.
• Over- or Under-Correction: Ears may appear too pinned or still prominent, rare with Dr. Mukami’s expertise.
• Suture Complications: Sutures may extrude or cause irritation, removable in clinic if needed.
• Scarring: Keloid or hypertrophic scars are rare, treatable with steroid injections or scar revision.
• Numbness: Temporary sensory changes in the ear, resolving within weeks to months.

Dr. Mukami mitigates risks through thorough preoperative planning, meticulous surgical technique, and comprehensive postoperative care.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from otoplasty is straightforward, with the following timeline:

• First 48 Hours: Mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort, managed with prescribed analgesics. A protective headband or dressing is worn to stabilize ears.
• Days 3–7: Bandages are removed, and a lighter headband is worn, especially at night. Patients resume light activities; children may return to school after 5–7 days.
• Weeks 2–4: Swelling subsides significantly, and non-absorbable sutures (if used) are removed. Avoid contact sports, earphones, or glasses resting on ears.
• Months 2–3: Ear shape stabilizes, with final contours visible as residual swelling resolves.
• Months 6–12: Scars mature and fade, becoming nearly invisible. Full recovery is achieved, with no restrictions on activities.

Dr. Mukami’s aftercare instructions include:

• Wearing a protective headband continuously for 1–2 weeks, then at night for 4–6 weeks to maintain ear position.
• Avoiding sleeping on the ears or activities that bend or traumatize the ears (e.g., wrestling, rugby) for 6–8 weeks.
• Keeping incisions clean and dry, using antibiotic ointment as directed to prevent infection.
• Avoiding sun exposure to scars for 6 months, using SPF 30+ sunscreen or hats to minimize hyperpigmentation.
• Refraining from smoking and alcohol for 2–4 weeks to support healing and circulation.
• Attending follow-up visits (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 3 months) to monitor healing and address concerns.

Combining Otoplasty with Other Procedures

Otoplasty can be paired with complementary procedures for enhanced facial aesthetics:

• Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to balance facial proportions, complementing ear adjustments for a harmonious profile.
• Facelift or Necklift: Rejuvenates the face or neck in adults, creating a cohesive, youthful appearance alongside ear reshaping.
• Chin Augmentation: Enhances chin projection with implants or fillers to improve facial symmetry with the ears.
• Facial Fat Grafting: Restores volume to cheeks or temples, enhancing overall facial balance.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Botox, fillers, or skin tightening (e.g., radiofrequency) to refine facial features, suitable for concurrent or staged treatment.
• Eyelid Surgery or Browlift: Lifts sagging eyelids or brows for a refreshed look, often combined with otoplasty in adults.