Can otoplasty go wrong

Yes, like any surgical procedure, otoplasty (ear surgery) can have complications or unintended results. Some potential risks include:

1. Infection: Although rare, infections can occur after otoplasty. They are usually treatable with antibiotics.
2. Scarring: Scars are a normal outcome of otoplasty, but in some cases, they may be more prominent than expected.
3. Asymmetry: The ears may not look completely symmetrical after surgery. Minor differences are normal, but noticeable asymmetry might require additional surgery.
4. Overcorrection or Undercorrection: The ears might be pinned back too much or not enough, leading to dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.
5. Altered Sensation: Some patients experience numbness or a change in sensation in their ears after surgery, which usually is temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.
6. Allergic Reaction: Allergic reactions to the materials used during surgery or to the anesthesia can occur.
7. Blood Clotting or Hematoma: Blood clots can form on the ear or a hematoma (blood collection) can develop, requiring additional treatment.
8. Pain and Discomfort: Post-operative pain is expected but usually manageable with medication.

It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon to minimize risks. Discussing all potential risks and complications with your surgeon prior to surgery is essential.

What is the bad result of otoplasty?

A bad result of otoplasty, which is cosmetic ear surgery, can manifest in several ways:

• Asymmetry: One of the most common issues is asymmetry between the ears, where one ear may appear differently positioned or shaped compared to the other.
• Overcorrection or Undercorrection: The ears might be pinned back too much (overcorrection), making them look unnatural, or not enough (undercorrection), failing to provide the desired improvement.
• Scarring: While scars are typical in any surgery, in some cases, they can be more prominent or poorly positioned, affecting the aesthetic outcome.
• Infection: Post-surgical infections can lead to complications, affecting the healing process and potentially the final appearance.
• Altered Sensation: Patients might experience a change in sensation, such as numbness or increased sensitivity in the ears, which can be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent.
• Persistent Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals may experience ongoing pain or discomfort in the ears after the surgery.
• Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Outcome: In some cases, the patient might simply be unhappy with the results, either due to unrealistic expectations or an execution that doesn’t meet their desired goals.

It’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon to discuss expectations and potential risks before undergoing otoplasty.

RELATED:Common reasons for undergoing otoplasty

Can ears stick out again after otoplasty?

Yes, it is possible for ears to protrude again after otoplasty, although this is relatively uncommon when the surgery is performed correctly. This can happen for several reasons:

• Incomplete Correction: If the initial surgery does not sufficiently reshape or reposition the ear cartilage, the ears might still appear to stick out.
• Surgical Technique: The effectiveness of otoplasty largely depends on the surgical technique used. Inadequate techniques or inexperienced surgeons might lead to less durable results.
• Cartilage Memory: Ear cartilage has a natural tendency to return to its original shape, known as “cartilage memory.” This can cause the ears to gradually protrude again over time, especially if the cartilage was not adequately reshaped or weakened during surgery.
• Post-Surgical Healing: The way an individual’s body heals can affect the final outcome. Abnormal scar tissue formation or issues with wound healing can lead to suboptimal results.
• Age at Surgery: Performing otoplasty at a very young age (typically before 5-6 years) might lead to changes in the ear’s appearance as the child grows, although most surgeons recommend performing otoplasty at a young age for various reasons.
• Trauma or Injury: Post-surgical trauma or injury to the ear can alter the results of the surgery.

To minimize the risk of ears protruding again after otoplasty, it’s important to choose an experienced and skilled surgeon and follow all postoperative care instructions closely. In cases where ears do protrude again, revision surgery might be considered.

What if a problem arises later?

If you travel to Turkey for otoplasty and then return to your home country where you experience complications or are unsatisfied with the results, there are several steps you can take:

• Consult with the Original Surgeon: Initially, try to get in touch with the surgeon who performed the otoplasty in Turkey. Explain your concerns or the complications you’re experiencing. Many surgeons will provide advice or guidance on what to do next, even if you’re in a different country.
• Seek Local Medical Advice: Visit a local healthcare professional or a plastic surgeon in your home country. They can assess your condition and provide medical advice or treatment. In some cases, they may suggest corrective surgery or other treatments.
• Medical Records: Ensure you have all your medical records from the surgery in Turkey, including details of the procedure, any medications prescribed, and post-operative care instructions. These will be valuable for any local doctor you consult.
• Insurance and Financial Considerations: Check if your health insurance covers complications from surgeries performed abroad. If not, you might need to cover the costs of any additional treatments yourself.
• Legal Advice: If you believe there was malpractice or negligence, consider seeking legal advice. However, legal proceedings can be complex, especially when they involve medical services in a foreign country.
• Review Contract or Agreement: If you had a contract or agreement with the clinic or surgeon in Turkey, review it for any clauses related to complications or dissatisfaction with the results.
• Communication with the Clinic: If you’re seeking a revision surgery or compensation, communicate your issues clearly with the clinic or hospital in Turkey where you had the surgery. Some might offer solutions such as a free revision surgery, but this often depends on their policies and your agreement with them.

Remember, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and consider the implications of undergoing surgery abroad, including the challenges you might face if complications arise after returning home.

Update : 30.01.2024