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“Bat ears” is an acceptable medical term given to a person’s ears when they do not lie flat against the side of the head. There is no medical condition that necessitates day surgery; it’s done for cosmetic purposes only. And quite a few people sensitive about their looks turn to octoplasty because it is a quick, easy image boost.
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon pushes back the ear to the side of the head until a strip of cartilage sticks out of the front; you can do this yourself in the mirror. After the surgeon marks the extra piece of cartilage, a minor cut is made in the back surface of the ear into the strip. One or two more cuts are made parallel to the first cut. A few stitches pin back the ear to keep it in shape. Then a bandage is placed around the head to protect the ears. The surgeon normally removes the bandage in about a week.
Patients are advised to wear a headband at night for several additional weeks. That’s only to keep from pulling at the sutures while sleeping. Swelling and slight discoloration are only temporary. Although results are pleasing, doctors say don’t expect to see a perfect set of ears since no one’s ears are perfectly symmetrical.
In addition to adults, a growing number of children undergo this simple procedure while their personalities are just beginning to take shape. It’s also an educational experience for their parents.
Your child does not have large, protuding ears because you allowed him to sleep on his side during infancy. They were not caused by someone pulling on them. The appearance of his ears was formed while he was still in the womb. As you know, a normal-looking ear has many hills and valleys with a conspicuous fold running along the wider and visible outside section of the ear. During the months the fetus is developing, sometimes that crimp does not mature as quickly as the rest of the baby’s body. So when the baby is born, his ears will not hug the sides of his head; rather, they will jut out.
Protruding ears do not affect the child’s hearing. Again, the disfigurement is cosmetic. However, it is a deformity that could influence the way your child is treated by others. A child who is constantly teased by other children and even by insensitive adults can easily and quickly develop emotional problems from having unusual physical features they can not hide. The condition of large, “Dumbo” ears can have a negative influence particularly on young children.
Child behavior specialists encourage parents to pay close attention to their child’s emotional behavior and take necessary steps to keep the dilemma in check. In this case, octoplasty can be a promising life-altering decision. The best time to visit the surgeon is when the child is at least five years old because the ear is practically full size. Summer is a good time to recuperate since complete healing takes about three months. And by the time the child walks into his first-grade class, both he and his ears will be able to blend in rather than stick out.
To locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area, call 1-800-635-0635. These surgeons are members of either the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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