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Swedish otoplasty
Preoperative Phase with Dr. Tolga Aksan
Consultation and Evaluation:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Dr. Aksan assesses the patient’s overall health, including any previous ear surgeries or conditions, and current medications.
- Discussion of Aesthetic Goals: The patient’s desires for ear reshaping, such as addressing protruding ears or reshaping ear lobes, are discussed in detail.
- Physical Assessment: Dr. Aksan evaluates the structure, size, and symmetry of the ears in relation to the patient’s facial features.
Preoperative Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia, infection, and other blood-related issues.
- Coagulation Profile: Including PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to assess blood clotting.
- Electrolyte Panel: To check the balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in your body.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: To assess kidney function.
- Liver Function Tests: To evaluate the health of your liver.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: To check for diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions.
- Lipid Profile: To assess cholesterol levels.
- Urine Analysis: To detect any urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
- Pregnancy Test (if applicable): To rule out pregnancy before the surgery.
- EKG (Electrocardiogram): Especially for patients over 40 years or with cardiac risk factors, to check heart function.
- Chest X-Ray: To evaluate lung health and rule out respiratory issues.
- Hemoglobin A1C: For patients with diabetes, to assess blood sugar control over the last three months.
- HIV and Hepatitis Panel: Depending on the clinic’s policy and patient’s risk factors.
- COVID-19 Test: Depending on current health guidelines and policies.
Planning and Marking:
Dr. Aksan plans the otoplasty procedure, marking the ears to indicate the areas of correction for achieving a natural and symmetrical appearance.
Surgical Procedure by Dr. Tolga Aksan
Anesthesia:
- Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, especially for younger patients or more complex cases.
Incision and Ear Reshaping:
- Incisions are usually made on the back of the ear or within the inner creases.
- Excess cartilage and skin may be removed or reshaped to achieve the desired ear position, shape, and contour.
Closing the Incisions:
- Incisions are closed with sutures, and the ears are bandaged for support and healing.
Postoperative Care by Dr. Tolga Aksan's Team
Immediate Recovery:
- Postoperative instructions include managing swelling and discomfort. Patients are typically advised to wear a headband to support and protect the ears.
Postoperative Instructions:
- Detailed guidance on caring for the ears, activity restrictions, especially avoiding activities that may bend the ears, and sleeping positions to avoid pressure on the ears.
- Instructions on when to return for a follow-up and how to monitor for any signs of complications.
Follow-up Visits:
- Regular appointments with Dr. Aksan to assess the healing process and evaluate the results of the otoplasty.
Long-Term Care and Results:
- Final results are typically visible once the swelling has subsided and the ears have healed, which may take several weeks.
- The results of otoplasty are generally long-lasting.
Key Considerations
- Patient Selection: Ideal for individuals looking to correct protruding ears, large ears, or ear asymmetry.
- Recovery Time: Recovery usually involves a few days of downtime, with a return to normal activities within a week, while avoiding strenuous activities for a period.
- Risks and Safety: Dr. Aksan discusses potential risks such as scarring, changes in sensation, or asymmetry.
Dr. Aksan’s approach to otoplasty combines meticulous surgical techniques with personalized patient care, ensuring aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking results, and a comprehensive recovery process.