What are Bat Ears?

Bat ears is the term given to ears that protrude from a person’s head more than what is considered normal.These protruding ears aren’t a medical problem. While these types of ears have no effect on hearing abilities, kids with bat ears often get teased by their peers. It can therefore affect a child’s self-esteem and body image. If your child is bothered by the size of ears, it’s important to discover more about the Otoplasty or Bat Ear correction surgery in Ludhiana, Punjab.

What is an Otoplasty or Bat Ears Correction procedure?

Otoplasty is the cosmetic procedure designed to correct protruding or deformed ears by first correcting the shape and then aligning the ears closer to the head. Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as six years of age.
Otoplasty should be considered on ears which stick more than 2 cm or 4/5 of an inch from the head.
Otoplasty can also be used as a part of reconstructive cosmetic surgery, which helps to improve self esteem in some patients.

When can Otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty or Bat Ears Correction surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, which is generally at five or six years of age. Having the surgery at the young age provides following benefits:
- At young age, cartilage is soft and more pliable, which makes it easier to be reshaped.
- Child will experience the psychological benefits of cosmetic improvement.
- Performing the procedure at young age will save the child from having a low self-esteem later in life.

How is Bat Ears Correction Surgery performed?

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia although for children, general anesthesia is preferred. An oval-shaped incision is created in the crease behind the ear in order to remove some skin so that cartilage can be exposed. Helix and anti-helix, which are the folds of the ear, are then reshaped. The cosmetic surgeon will then use some sutures to provide support to the cartilage and align the top of the ear closer to the head. As a next step, the entire ear is set closer to the head by making a series of incisions into the cartilage and suturing into a new position. Once this is completed, the incisions are then closed and ears are covered with a sterile dressing. The patient is generally discharged the same day. A few days after the surgery, bandages are replaced with a lighter dressing. External stitches are removed generally within a week.

Does Otoplasty hurt?

The patient will not feel anything during the bat ear correction surgery. The procedure can be executed under local or general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. The type of anesthesia to be used during the procedure will be discussed by the cosmetic surgeon before the procedure. The choice of anesthesia also depends on patient’s medical history and overall anxiety related to the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation, local or general, feel free to discuss the same with Dr. Prerna Mittal.
While the patients will not experience pain during the procedure, it is not uncommon for the patients to have mild discomfort post operatively. Any pain or discomfort after the procedure can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. You should also speak with Dr. Prerna Mittal about any queries related to post-operative recovery and care associated with the otoplasty.

Are there any risks involved?

Just like any other cosmetic surgery procedure, Otoplasty involves tiny risk that includes infection, loosening of sutures, hematoma, etc.
When considering a cosmetic surgery of the ear, you should consult an experienced cosmetic surgeon in Punjab.

What does post-procedure care include?

After the procedure, soft dressings are applied behind the ear for a few days. There is a possibility of mild discomfort if the patient is habitual of sleeping on that side. Therefore, the doctor recommends that the patient modify his/her sleeping pattern for a few days until the area has healed. The cosmetic surgeon will also apply headbands for at least two weeks, in order to keep the ears in stationary position. A thin white scar, as a result of the incision, might be present behind the ear but it is almost unnoticeable.

How much bat ear correction surgery costs?

The cost of otoplasty or bat ear correction surgery largely depends on the amount of correction needed, so it varies from person to person. Other factors that need to be considered for the cost of surgery include the location from where the surgery is being performed, experience of the cosmetic surgeon, infrastructure of the clinic, etc. It is always recommended to have a thorough consultation with the best otoplasty surgeon in Punjab. During the consultation, you’ll be advised about all aspects of the procedure including the costs. Important points to remember before proceeding with otoplasty or bat ear correction surgery:
- Healing continues for some time as the skin adjusts and shrinks.
- Like any other type of cosmetic surgery, there is no absolute guarantee with the procedure. The realistic aim of the surgery is to bring improvement in the appearance, not perfection. Perfect symmetry is unnatural and unlikely in ears.
- Results may vary from individual to individual.
- It is important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol at least three weeks before the surgery.
- Intake of any blood thinners like aspirin needs to be stopped at least three weeks before the surgery in order to assist the healing process.

To find out if a patient needs bat ear correction surgery in Punjab, a thorough evaluation by an experienced cosmetic surgeon is required. Dr. Prerna Mittal is the Chief Operating Surgeon at Refine Aesthetic Clinic and has more than 12 years of experience in treating patients from across the globe. A well-done otoplasty can lead to boost in self-image and confidence. To seek a consultation with Dr. Prerna Mittal, you can write to her at refineclinics@gmail.com or call at: 98157-11571.