Otoplasty in Iran: All you need to know

Otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery is a plastic surgery intended for correcting the deformities of the ears. Otoplasty is offered at Iranian cosmetic clinics and hospitals at very affordable prices. There are a host of highly-skilled Iranian plastic surgeons performing otoplasty in Iran, who specialize in plastic surgery, including ear reconstruction surgery and ear pinning.

Otoplasty cost in Iran

Just like any other plastic surgery, the price of cosmetic ear reshaping surgery in Iran is much more affordable than many other countries. Depending on the type of surgery, doctor, and clinic, an otoplasty surgery costs between $1200 and $2000 in Iran.

At AriaMedTour, we offer all-inclusive ear surgery packages that come with all medical tourism services (visa, hotel, transfer, etc.) at various prices to fit all budgets. The prices we offer for otoplasty in Iran are transparent and cover all expenses, including anesthesia and medications, things that usually have separate costs in other countries.

Otoplasty surgeons in Iran

Iranian otoplasty surgeons we work with are well-trained and experienced, who have performed hundreds of ear reconstruction surgeries during their prolific career, spanning more than 10 years. Our plastic surgeons offering cosmetic ear surgery in Iran are plastic surgery or ENT specialists who have passed advanced fellowships and specialized courses in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

What is otoplasty surgery and what does it fix?

Otoplasty is any type of ear correction surgery aimed at improving the appearance of the ears by altering the shape, proportion, and position of them. Ear reshaping surgery is sought by people who are unhappy with their congenital or acquired ear deformity, including those with prominent ears (protruding ears), Stahl’s ears, cup ears (also called lop ears and constricted ears), ear tags (also known as accessory tragus or branchial cleft remnants), and ear defects caused by an injury or accident.

Types of otoplasty

There are different types of ear correction surgery: ear pinning, ear augmentation, and ear reduction.

Ear pinning

Technically called otopexy, ear pinning (sometimes referred to as ear pinback) is a common ear reshaping surgery for flattening protruding ears. Ear pinning surgery is commonly carried out for children, but adults, too, can undergo this procedure if they feel dissatisfied with their appearance.

Ear augmentation

Ear augmentation surgery is aimed at enlarging or reconstructing the ears in people who suffer from a condition called ‘microtia’, in which the external part of the ear (pinna) is underdeveloped or non-existent. There are three approaches to ear reconstruction surgery: Rib Cartilage Graft Reconstruction, polyethylene plastic implants (Medpor), and ear prosthesis.

Ear reduction

Sometimes the pinna of the ear is larger than normal. This congenital deformity is technically referred to as ‘macrotia’. Ear reduction surgery is intended to reduce the size of too large ears by removing a portion of the cartilage and skin.

How is otoplasty performed?

Cosmetic ear surgery can be done by a plastic surgeon or an otolaryngologist. It is performed either under local or general anesthesia, depending on the age of the patient and other factors. An otoplasty procedure takes between 2-4 hours.

The surgeon makes incisions to the ears, and depending on the problem, alters the cartilage of the ear. He/she can reduce the size of the ear and pin it back to prevent them from sticking out, reshape the cartilage, or reconstruct it in cases with microtia.

As said earlier, there are three methods for ear reconstruction surgery. The first technique involves taking a piece of the patient’s own rib cartilage and sculpting it into the form of an ear. This procedure is usually done at the age of 8 when the child’s rib cage is large enough to provide the donor tissue, but some of the more experienced surgeons may do this surgery on a 6-year-old child.

If the polyethylene plastic implant method is employed for ear reconstruction, it can be performed on a child at the age of three. MEDPOR ear reconstruction is a one- or two-stage procedure involving placing a porous polyethylene implant on the underdeveloped ear, allowing the patient’s tissue to grow into the material. 3 to 6 months after the surgery, a second appointment may be required for minor adjustments.

Ear reconstruction with ear prostheses is another technique in which an ear-shaped prosthesis is attached to the missed or underdeveloped ear using adhesive or titanium screws with the aim of improving the appearance. Ear prostheses are colored in a way to match the color of the surrounding skin so that they look as they are real ears.

What should I do before ear correction surgery?

There are some general guidelines that should be followed before an otoplasty procedure, which are as follows:

Do not use any medications containing Acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin), as they might increase bleeding during and after surgery.

Attend a pre-operative consultation appointment to discuss different issues regarding the surgery, including expected results and potential complications.

Make sure that you have not suffered from any viral illness at least three weeks before the surgery. If so, inform your surgeon.

Wash your hair the day before the operation, and do not wear any makeup or earrings on the day of the surgery.

Otoplasty recovery and post-op instructions

After the completion of an ear reshaping surgery, the surgeon applies soft dressing on the surgical site, which should be kept in place for one week. The surgeon may also prescribe a soft, flexible headband for two weeks after surgery, which helps hold the ears in the right position.

The bandage should be replaced the next day after the surgery, and then again after 2 days. The bandage is completely removed after 7 days. You can wash your head after the bandage removal and wear the protective band over your ears for a one more week or two.

There might be some mild discomfort or sleep disruptions for a few days after surgery. Make sure to ask your doctor to prescribe the right pain medications if you need to take some. Do not self-prescribe anti-inflammatory pain drugs because they can slow healing and cause bleeding.

Be sure to protect your ears from cold, and in order to prevent any infections, avoid swimming during your recovery period. Sports and physical activities can be resumed after approximately 5 weeks. You can return to work in a few days.

Otoplasty risks and complications

As with any surgery, there are some risks in otoplasty, but they are minor and rare. Scarring is a side effect of ear correction surgery, which in most cases is barely visible because it is located behind the ear.

Bleeding and infection are other potential complications of otoplasty, which rarely occurs if you take good care of yourself. Mild or moderate pain is common after surgery, which can be relieved by taking pain-killing medications.

Be sure to contact your doctor or seek medical attention in case you experience fever and excessive bleeding and swelling, or you have any trauma to your surgical site.