Panama Medical Vacations

Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery

Otoplasty (ears)
If you were born with protruding ears, you may recognize the title’s insulting reference. If you don’t recognize it, you probably have heard others. The good news is that the insults about your ears can end, thanks to otoplasty. Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to improve the appearance of a person's external ears. This type of ear surgery is typically performed to bring ears closer to the head or reduce the size of large ears. Whether you are not comfortable with your ears or you have a birth defect, traveling to Panama for an otoplasty can be an affordable medical solution to resolve your condition.

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

After Your Surgery
Both adults and children are usually comfortable moving around within a few hours of surgery. In the case of children, some people prefer to stay overnight in the hospital until all the effects of general anesthesia wear pass.

The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week

Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

Risks
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.

Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.