The outer ear is called ‘pinna’ and Pinnaplasty is the surgical procedure which corrects the pinna in case it is prominent or if it has any deformities. This procedure is also known as Otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery. This procedure does not affect hearing because hearing involves the middle and inner ear, but Otoplasty is focused on the outer ear. This procedure involves reshaping or repositioning the ears to make them less prominent and more natural. Keep in mind that prominent ears don’t count as a medical condition however, having this surgery might help you feel more confident.
Just like any other major surgeries, Otoplasty has various risks like infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks, asymmetrical ears, scarring. Otoplasty can also cause changes in skin sensation or create an unnatural look, making the ears look pinned back.
Otoplasty has three different types:
Otoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia which means that you will be unconscious during the surgery. Depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon can either make incisions on the back of the ears or within the inner creases of the ears. After the incisions are made, your surgeon will make changes to the ear depending on the condition. At the end, the head will be wrapped with bandages to protect the ears. Otoplasty procedure takes a couple of hours.
The traditional Otoplasty involves making incisions and removing excess skin and cartilage however, there is an alternative. Non-surgical Otoplasty is performed using only stiches to pin the ears back. These stiches are permanent but not visible or tangible. The upside to this method is that patients can instantly see the results and if they are not satisfied by them, the procedure can be reversed a few days after the initial surgery. Non-surgical Otoplasty is done using local anesthesia and you can return to your daily activities within a few days.
The ears reach 80% of their adult size by the age of 6. Traditional Otoplasty can be performed on patients who are at least 4 years old but Non-surgical Otoplasty is more suitable for patients older than 6. During the first two weeks after birth, in case the infant has prominent ears, ear molds can be used to correct the ears since the cartilage is still soft.
Before the surgery you need to talk to your surgeon. During the consultation your surgeon will:
Also before having surgery you need to avoid taking certain medication like aspirin because they may cause bleeding. You should also stop smoking before the surgery because it slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. You should also arrange for someone from MedtourIran to take you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least one night.
After the surgery, your ears will be covered with bandages for support and protection. The bandages will be removed after 7-10 days. When the bandages are off, you should wear a headband for 2-6 weeks while sleeping in order to keep the ears pinned back. It is natural if your ears feel sore. If you have severe pain or if there is bleeding, you should immediately contact your doctor. You should also keep your ears clean to minimize the risk of infection. Although your ears might feel itchy, you should not touch or rub them otherwise, you damage the sutures. If you are not satisfied with the results, you should talk to your doctor about a revision surgery.
The surgeons in Iran are well-educated and highly experienced. Hospitals and clinics in Iran are advanced and very well equipped. Almost any surgery in Iran costs less than any other country, but the difference in the costs doesn’t mean that the quality of the services is low. This difference is basically based on economic factors. Hospitable and kind people, exquisite cuisine, beautiful and breathtaking historical attractions are just few of the many reasons why you should consider Iran as your destination. If you have chosen Iran for your surgery, you can contact MedtourIran to get consultation and plan your trip.
Otoplasty costs vary widely. Otoplasty in Iran costs between 1000$ and 2200$, but if you want to have this surgery in the US it will cost you around 3150$. The cost of Otoplasty starts from 1500$ in India, and the average cost of it in Turkey is 2200$. If you want to have this surgery in European countries, the average cost is about 2000$. So it is more reasonable to have this surgery in Iran because you will get the same quality of services at lower and more affordable prices.
