It is an undeniable fact that all people are different because of their genetical features and especially those of our face which vary in shape, volume, size but also how prominent they are. We can easily understand that their harmonic coexistence, that means without any of them to have any visible faults, defines someone as well-looking or not. Another disadvantage is that in case one of these features presents a fault, it can neither be hidden nor made less visible. Such a problem can occur when our ears are too big, too small, too large, too prominent or even when one ear is different from the other.
In this case the only solution is otoplasty where your plastic surgeon has to reshape the ears and give them a well fit shape, volume or size in accordance with the rest of the facial features.
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What makes otoplasty essential?
Unfortunately or not, there is no doubt that we live in times where our appearance is very important for our social life. We can take or lose a job because of our appearance, people will like or dislike us, or we can even be stigmatized because of a physical fault we may have. It should also be said that people engrave in their minds something which strikes them as bizarre, different, strange, easier rather than something which is natural.
For instance, if we want to describe a person who is not too clever or a funny looking kid, the standard picture that first comes into our head is the one with big prominent ears. In fact, it is the same picture with which we have been bombarded in films and advertisments.
Regardless of the conclusion that we will come to, later on, about his personality his intelligence or his capacities, the first picture which will cross our minds will still be the one of this funny caricature. Even a slight deformity can be the reason for being mocked or ridiculed by our peers. It is no wonder how awful a child with too small too big or too prominent ears can feel. The fear of being negatively commented on, pocked fun at, as well as the inferiority complex and shame will haunt him every time he socialises.
In a word, we could say that otoplasty has become essential as it enhances the patient’s appearance and gives him back his self-confidence and self-esteem.
When is the right time for someone to undergo otoplasty?
There are three main factors that define the right time.
First comes the psychological factor. Otoplasty should be done before the patient has a psychological trauma because of his ears’ irregularity. Second comes the anatomical factor. Taking into consideration the size of the bilateral ear in cases where only one ear presents a deformity and the size of the lateral cartilage. Third comes the growing of the ears. Our ears have reached the 85% of their adult size at the age of 3, so after this age there are not any important changes.
Every genetical deformity can be corrected earlier than the age of five without causing any problems in their development. In most cases it is preferable to do so before the child goes to school and receives criticism about his ears.
