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Otoplasty, also referred to as cosmetic ear surgery, is a type of cosmetic procedure to change the size, shape, or position of the ear. It is performed on the visible part of the outer ear, called auricle. Some people choose to have the surgery to correct odd-shaped ears due to an injury or birth defect. Others have it because they are concerned with how their ears protrude too far from their head. Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached their full size, generally after age 5. In some cases, the surgery may be done as early as age 3.
There are several types of otoplasty. The following are the most common:
Otoplasty is typically carried out under local anesthesia with a sedative, so you will be awake but you will not feel any pain. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, typically for younger children.
The techniques used by your surgeon vary based on the type of otoplasty you are having. In general, your surgeon makes an incision either within the inner creases of your ears or on the backs of your ears. Then, your surgeon manipulates the tissue of the ear, which may include removal of cartilage or skin, grafting of cartilage to the ear, or folding and shaping of cartilage using permanent stitches. Once your surgeon is done correcting the shape, size, and position of your ears, the incisions are closed with stitches.
Otoplasty can take between 1 and 3 hours to perform, depending on the complexity and the specifics of the procedure. It is typically done as an outpatient procedure, which means you can leave the hospital on the same day. It is recommended that you stay in Estonia for 7 more days for follow-up checkups and removal of stitches.
The recovery period may vary from one person to another. You may experience numbness for several weeks, and mild bruising for about 2 weeks. For several months, your ears may feel stiff and sore.
You should be able to go back to work and resume your normal activities, including exercise, within one to two weeks after surgery. Physical contact sports, such as rugby, football, or judo, should be avoided for at least 3 months. You should also avoid swimming for up to 8 weeks following your otoplasty.
Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to promote smooth and quick recovery. You should rest with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to minimize swelling. It is recommended that you eat a light, soft, and cool diet for several days. Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid sleeping on your side or rub the incisions to keep pressure off your ears. Consider wearing shirts with loose-fitting collars or button-down shirts.
Otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure, with high satisfaction rates. More than 90% of people who had the procedure claimed to be extremely happy with the results. Note that it may take some time for the result to be fully visible.
While it is a safe procedure, you still need to be aware of possible risks and complications that otoplasty carries. These include bleeding, hematoma formation, infection of the skin, infection of the cartilage of the ear, permanent or temporary numbness around the affected area, scar or keloid formation, unfavorable results, prolonged pain, narrowing of the external ear canal, impaired healing, changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, and overcorrection.
There are not many viable alternatives to otoplasty as of yet. One of the most popular alternatives is nonsurgical otoplasty, which does not require any incisions. The procedure uses special sutures to pin the ears back and achieve a more symmetrical look. These sutures are woven into the ears and will remain in place permanently. They are also virtually invisible, so the results will look natural.
For babies under three months old with prominent ears, ear-molds can be taped to their ears to reshape the ears without surgery. This type of treatment typically takes about six to eight weeks.
Before otoplasty, you may have prominent or large ears or other deformity caused by an injury or birth defect that bothers you. Some people also feel self-conscious and embarrassed by the shape, size, and position of their ears. After the procedure, your ears will be corrected. Small or underdeveloped ears will be augmented to increase the size, the size of large ears will be reduced, and prominent ears will be drawn closer to the head. Your appearance will improve and you may feel more confident.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Estonia is a country situated on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. Tourism in this country is often overlooked, but those who have visited agree that the country is filled with historical wonders and hidden attractions. Today, Estonia has become a popular medical tourism destination, with a growing number of people coming from Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the UK. Foreign patients usually come for orthopedic, weight loss, or plastic surgery. What attracts medical tourists to have their treatment in Estonia is the country’s affordable and high-quality healthcare. With skilled surgeons, excellent medical centers, and incredible vacation opportunities, it is easy to see why Estonia is becoming more and more popular. Many of the board-certified surgeons in the country continue their training abroad and the private hospitals are armed with advanced technology.
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn and it charms visitors with its lively yet peaceful vibe, UNESCO-listed Old Town, photogenic sights, ancient churches, and medieval streetscapes. The city is perfect for those looking for some relaxation and pampering as it has a number of Day Spas. In addition, Tallinn is filled with delightful food and vibrant modern culture, making it the perfect place to visit. Besides Tallinn, another popular place to visit is Tartu, which is the second-largest city in the country. As a premier university town, this city is the place where Estonian doctors and surgeons study medicine. Tartu is a very historic city and also has a vibrant nightlife.
Tallinn International Airport is the largest airport in Estonia that serves flights to and from major cities in Europe and the Middle East, such as London, Copenhagen, and Dubai. Getting around Estonia can be done by bus or train. While the rail network is limited and affordable, buses are fast and efficient. Big cities in the country have an efficient public transportation system and taxis are widely available. It is also worth pointing out that the whole country is bicycle-friendly.
Since Estonia is a member state of the Schengen Area, holders of passports from 62 countries, including the US, the UAE, Japan, and Australia can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed in the visa waiver agreement need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter.
The summer months of June to August have the highest temperatures, with sunny and long daylight days. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) is a great time to visit the country as the weather is very pleasant. Winter, from November to February, can be freezing as the temperatures plummet and the snow starts to fall. The weather in this country is very changeable.