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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 Saudi Arabia 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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the holy Muslim city of Mecca, all Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to this city at least once during their life and non-Muslims are forbidden from the city. There are other wonders to be found here, from the Red Sand Dunes in Riyadh, Jeddah’s coral architecture, to the azure waters of the Red Sea. In the last few years, the Kingdom has developed a plan to encourage international patients to seek treatment at its medical centers. The healthcare sector in the country has constantly improved and developed and the country has all the attributes to have a successful medical tourism industry, such as ultra-modern hospitals that are well-equipped with cutting-edge technology, foreign-trained doctors and specialists, and a well-established private healthcare sector.
The capital city is Riyadh, which is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It offers amazing attractions for tourists, such as the Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, the Kingdom Center, the Sky Bridge, Riyadh Zoo, and the Antiquities Museum. Another popular city is Jeddah, which is called the Bride of the Red Sea. It’s a large metropolitan city with an incredible waterfront and beautiful old town. It’s the traditional gateway to Mecca, as well as the historic crossroads of traders and pilgrims. Most tourists visit this city to admire its World Heritage Red Sea architecture, explore its lively souq, relax in its laid-back coastline, and try its world-class cuisine.
King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia, located in the city of Dammam. It serves flights to and from numerous cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Domestic flights are the best way to travel around this country. Buses, taxis, and car rental are widely available for travel inside the cities.
Almost all nationalities need to have a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, except for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE. eVisa or visa on arrival is available for holders of passports of 51 countries, including all EU countries, the US, the UK, and Japan. Most other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
Saudi Arabia has two seasons, summer and winter. Summer (April – October). The weather is extremely hot and humid. The average temperatures range between 40oC to 45oC, but it can soar to 49oC. Winter, from November to March, brings mild temperatures, with an average of 20oC during the day and 10oC during the night.