Preparing for Surgery

Once you decide to proceed with Otoplasty, Dr. Kunal Sayani and his team will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include:

• Medication adjustments: Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding.
• Smoking cessation: Stop smoking well in advance of the surgery and throughout the recovery period.
• Arranging for assistance: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you for the first night or two.
• Lab tests or medical evaluation: In some cases, pre-operative tests may be required.

The Otoplasty Procedure - Step-by-Step

Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, taking between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia depends on the patient's age, procedure complexity, and preference.
  Options include: Local anesthesia with sedation (awake but drowsy, ear area numbed, common for older children and adults) or General anesthesia (completely asleep, often for younger children).
  Dr. Kunal Sayani will recommend the best option for your comfort and safety.
• The Incisions: Incisions are made based on the correction needed.
  Most commonly, incisions are on the back surface of the ear, hidden in the natural crease where the ear meets the head.
  For certain corrections, small incisions may be made within the inner creases of the ear, strategically placed to minimize visibility.
• Reshaping the Ear Cartilage: Dr. Kunal Sayani accesses the cartilage to reshape it using techniques like:
  Cartilage scoring or sculpting: Weakening or thinning cartilage to bend into the desired shape.
  Cartilage excision: Removing excess cartilage to reduce ear size or conchal bowl.
  Suturing the cartilage: Using permanent internal sutures to fold cartilage, create/enhance the antihelical fold, and secure the ear closer to the head.
• Skin Removal: If necessary, a small amount of excess skin may be removed from the back of the ear.
• Closing the Incisions: Incisions are closed with sutures, either absorbable (dissolve on their own) or non-absorbable (removed after about a week).
• Applying Dressings: Protective dressings and a supportive headband are applied to support the new shape, minimize swelling, and protect the surgical site.

Dr. Kunal Sayani employs meticulous surgical techniques to achieve natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results, focusing on symmetry and balance with your facial features.

Recovery & Aftercare (Post-Op Instructions)

The recovery period after Otoplasty is crucial for achieving the best possible results and minimizing complications. Dr. Kunal Sayani and his team will provide detailed and personalized post-operative instructions. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

Important Post-Operative Instructions from Dr. Kunal Sayani

• Medications: Take prescribed medications, including antibiotics and pain relievers, as directed.
• Avoid Touching/Rubbing: Do not scratch, rub, or put pressure on ears.
• Clothing: Wear button-down shirts or wide-neck tops to avoid disturbing ears.
• Glasses: Discuss with Dr. Sayani how to wear glasses without pressure on ears; consider padding or contact lenses.
• Report Concerns: Contact Dr. Sayani immediately for excessive pain, significant bleeding, signs of infection, sudden severe swelling, or healing concerns.

Risks & Safety

While Otoplasty is generally a safe procedure with high patient satisfaction rates, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Kunal Sayani, it is important to understand that all surgical procedures carry some inherent risks and potential complications. Dr. Sayani will discuss these with you in detail during your consultation.

General Surgical Risks

• Anesthesia Risks: Rare adverse reactions, from nausea to serious complications, monitored by a qualified anesthesiologist.
• Bleeding (Hematoma): Blood collection under skin may require drainage; Dr. Sayani minimizes bleeding during surgery.
• Infection: Managed with antibiotics; prevented by careful wound care.
• Poor Wound Healing: Higher risk in smokers, affecting healing speed or quality.
• Scarring: Incisions leave scars, typically hidden, but may become hypertrophic or keloid in predisposed individuals.
• Blood Clots: Rare in Otoplasty, but possible with prolonged immobility.

Risks Specific to Otoplasty

• Asymmetry: Minor differences may persist despite efforts for symmetry.
• Overcorrection ('Pinned' Look): Ears positioned too close to head, avoided by Dr. Sayani’s careful technique.
• Undercorrection/Recurrence of Prominence: Insufficient correction or partial return of prominence, uncommon with modern techniques.
• Changes in Skin Sensation: Temporary numbness or tingling, rarely permanent.
• Suture Complications: Suture extrusion or rare allergic reactions to suture materials.
• Skin Contour Irregularities: Minor irregularities or depressions over reshaped cartilage.
• Pain: Expected discomfort is manageable; chronic pain is rare.
• Dissatisfaction with Cosmetic Outcome: Possible despite best efforts; requires realistic expectations.
• Need for Revision Surgery: May be needed to address complications or desired outcome.

Dr. Kunal Sayani's Commitment to Safety

• Thorough Pre-operative Evaluation: Assessing overall health and risk factors.
• Detailed Surgical Planning: Tailoring the procedure to individual anatomy and goals.
• Meticulous Surgical Technique: Employing precise and proven techniques.
• Accredited Surgical Facility: Operating in a safe and sterile environment.
• Comprehensive Post-operative Care: Providing clear instructions and attentive follow-up.