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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 Hong Kong 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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The former British colony became a special administrative region of China in 1997, when Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories, north of Hong Kong Island, expired. Hong Kong is governed under the principle of "one country, two systems", under which China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover.
Hong Kong welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Otoplasty procedures. Hong Kong is a well-established hub for medical tourism, although it is better known for its quality and cutting-edge procedures than for cost.
Hong Kong is a blend of a dynamic cultural landscape with an astonishing skyline, glamorous shopping, as well as one of the world’s top culinary destinations.
Hong Kong’s weather is influenced by the monsoon subtropical climate. The temperature is mostly mild all year round. May to September are the warmest months with an average temperature of 33 °C while mid-December to February are the coldest months with the temperature falling to 10 °C. Spring starts from March and ends in early May and the weather during this season is pleasant with many sunny days, but you can also have foggy, rainy, and stormy days.
The summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid with a perpetual threat of rain showers, thunderstorms, and sometimes even typhoons. Summer lasts for around four months from May to September. With August as the wettest month in the city.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the autumn, starting from October to early December when the days are generally sunny and the temperatures range from 22 °C to 28 °C. Winter is the holiday season in the city and the average temperature is around 16 °C to 18 °C but it can drop under 10 °C.
The main gateway to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport. The airport is built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok and it serves international destinations to almost every major city in the world, including, Dubai, Amsterdam, Seoul, Canada, Singapore, and Sydney. For affordable travel, budget airlines such as AirAsia, Eastar Jet, and IndiGo are available. There are a wide variety of public transport services to and from the airport. The best options are Airport Express, public buses, and taxis.
To get around Hong Kong, it is best to purchase Tourist Day Tickets which gives you unlimited access to the main MTR and certain Rail lines for HK$65. If you are planning to stay longer in the city, the Octopus Card will be a big help. The card is reusable and can be used for almost every public transportation mode and you can buy the card for HK$150.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the city is by the MTR (Mass Transit Railways) and it is one of the most advanced metro systems on the planet. The MTR operates 11 lines from 06.00 am to 01.00 am. The fare ranges from HK$3.6 to HK$52.6 depending on the distance.
The public bus is a great way to explore Hong Kong, especially the south side of the island and the New Territories. Most buses are double-decker and air-conditioned and it is an affordable way to get around the city and the fares will vary based on the distance traveled. Other public transportation modes such as tram and ferry are also available.
If you need a more flexible way of travel, taxis are easy to find and offer excellent value. There are three types of taxis, the red taxis operate throughout the city except for Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$24. The green taxis only operate in the New Territories and the fares start at HK$20.50. The blue taxis serve Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$19.
Citizens of around 170 countries and territories may visit and stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days. Other countries not listed in the visa-free entry such as Albania, Armenia, and Cambodia need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least one to six months beyond the date of entry to Hong Kong. Visitors can apply for a visa from their nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
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