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Otoplasty, ear surgery in Argentina

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» Ear Surgery, Otoplasty or Auriculoplasty in Argentina

Table of Contents:

» IN PLASTIC SURGERY, EXPERIENCE COUNTS...

» General Information: risks, anesthesia, recovery, pre-operative tests:

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Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates are persons with prominent ears, who are unable to wear any type of hairdo that would reveal their ears. Some people have what is called "cup handle ears", that is, the ears are too separated from the head. This is caused by the arrested development of the ear cartilage. Auriculoplasty is recommended for children over 7 years of age to avoid psychological problems. Children are often cruel when it comes to expose body defects and, at a young age, prominent or "cup handle" ears are a reason to tease a schoolmate. The common response is hostility or tendency to isolation. That is why the child often requests to undergo this type of surgery to avoid being the subject of ridicule by others.

What is the surgery like?

Ear surgery sculpts the cartilage to reshape the ear adequately. It is a rather simple procedure performed under local anesthesia combined with mild sedation. Despite its apparent simplicity, this type of surgery must be performed by a gentle and accurate surgeon in order to avoid the creation of folds and anomalous rims. Scars are imperceptible since they are placed in the back of the ear. It is an outpatient procedure that lasts about 90 minutes.

Are there any risks? Which complications may arise?
All surgeries involve Risks:

By giving you all the information you need to make a decision, including information on the risks involved, we show our respect for you and allow you to have the last say in all matters concerning your surgery. We also believe that this speaks volumes about RP Medical Center, about who we are and how we work. It is our responsibility to provide you with all necessary information. We consider that Quality goes hand-in-hand with Responsibility. All patients have a right to be explained how the surgical procedure will be performed, together with the potential risks and complications (which are not caused by a Physician’s errors or malpractice, but which derive from the surgery itself or cannot be anticipated), and the advantages and disadvantages of certain techniques, so that they can think it over and make a balance before making any final decision.

Any surgical procedure has risks (whether an optional surgery, which you choose to undergo, or an emergency surgery); some risks are common to all surgical procedures and others are specific to each type of surgery. No surgery is exempt from risk. A plastic surgery is, after all, a surgery. Risks (each under different incidence percentages; see below) range from post-surgery complications which can be secondarily solved (bad scarring, seroma, skin necrosis, etc.) to severe and fatal complications such as reactions to anesthesia, pulmonary embolism (blood clots or "small blood balls" which could migrate to the heart and block the pulmonary artery causing severe injuries or even death), among others.

In 1997, the results of a survey were disclosed in the United States, based on 400,675 surgical procedures involving Plastic Surgery and Surgical Repair, where 7 deaths were found. The rate of severe complications (hypotension, hematoma, infection, hypertension episodes, sepsis) was 0.47% (1 case every 230 patients). One death occurred every 57,000 patients, that is, a mortality rate of 0.0017%; slightly less than 1 death every 57,000 patients. The survey documented the approximate safety level for plastic surgeries conducted by certified plastic surgeons in authorized facilities in the US, during those years. Another survey conducted in the United States (from 1994 through 1998) further accounted for deaths occurred after Liposuctions. Survey findings reported one death every 5,000 patients, which represents a mortality rate of 0.02 % and 20 deaths every 100,000 liposuctions. The main cause of death was pulmonary thromboembolism.

Risks must be minimized by taking all appropriate preventive measures and complying with certain rules and requirements, including the requirement for pre-surgery tests, pre-operative and post-operative indications, the practice of surgeries in the proper facilities (which must be fully-equipped to cope with any inconveniences), patients’ full medical history, and their compliance with the Physicians’ guidelines after the surgery. It should be recalled that complications and risks may arise even where all precautions were taken and even if the patient is healthy. Given that these complications are not predictable, they may affect the patients of even the best surgeons in any country of the world, despite any precautions taken to reduce potential risks.

What are the expected results?

In general, patients are satisfied with the results. The desired shape will be gradually achieved and the final result can be seen from 4 to 6 months. You should keep in mind that the goal of plastic surgery is improvement, not perfection. Do not expect both ears to match perfectly. Perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears and can only be seen in a few rare exceptional cases.

What precautions should I take after surgery? When can I go back to normal life?
Alter care

You should take plenty of rest during the first 48 hours following surgery. You are expected to feel certain discomfort during the first days that will subside by the intake of prescribed pain medication. You should wear compress bandage during the first eight hours after surgery and an elastic headband for 1 week. Stitches will be removed between the 5th and 7th day. You will be able to wash your hair after 2 days (with the head bent backwards). Most patients go back to work 5 days after surgery and children go back to school after 1 week. You should not practice violent sports during the first month.

If I do not live in the City of Buenos Aires: How long should I stay approximately? 

You will need to stay in Buenos Aires for 10 nights and 11 days. If you agree to have the sutures removed by a trusted physician in your city of residence, the total stay will be of about 9 days, as long as you recover normally during the post-operative period.

Which are the required pre-surgical tests?

It is necessary to undergo the following pre-surgical tests within 1 month before the date of surgery:

Mandatory pre-surgical instructions:

» How to get a quote - Photographs necessary to undergo a surgery - Stay - Requirements:

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» To request the right quote and provide all necessary information, go to: "How to travel to undergo a surgery", and read "Step No. 1", "Make arrangements for a surgery by following these easy steps".

» Photographs required for Auriculoplasty: 1 frontal photograph of your face, one from behind the head and two frontal pictures of each ear. The photographs should cover the area from the neck to the head completely.

» Days of stay for Auriculoplasty: 10 nights, 11 days. For further information on stay days, minimum stay, and schedule, among other matters, go to "How to travel to undergo a surgery" , read "Step No. 3", " Make arrangements for a surgery by following these easy steps."

» Hospitalization: Not required. After the surgery, a 4-hour recovery period at the clinic is required. You may then move to your place of accommodation.

» Why are photographs necessary?

Not only are photographs necessary to avoid paying for an unnecessary and more expensive surgical procedure, but also to determine whether the surgery for which you have come to us is the best type of surgery for you. Photographs are essential for our Physicians to analyze your case, to know how to proceed and offer you the personalized treatment that sets us apart. Your photographs also enable us to make a more precise quote.

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