Otoplasty in Tunisia

Goal

Otoplasty or ear surgery is an esthetic intervention that tends to correct the problems of loose and poorly formed ears and pull them back to their normal position. This surgery can be practised on adults as well as on teenagers and children.

Surgery

Its duration is 45 min, and a one-night admission is necessary. It is done under general anesthesia for children and Otoplasty under local anesthesia with sedation in the adult population.

A diamond incision is done in the back of the ear enabling the surgeon to remove the small part of the skin incised and expose the auricular cartilage which consitute the skeleton of the ear and determines its shape. The ear pavilion is repositioned closer to the head.

The cutaneous incisions are closed by resorbable material points that do not need to be removed for they are not harmful. Several precautions should be taken into consideration before undergoing the surgery especially not to consume aspirin and tobacco for at least two weeks before and after the intervention.

Postoperative period

In order to reduce ecchymoses and limit postoperative edema that will last a few days, a dressing is placed at the incision level behind the ear and is changed every day for 8 days. The ears will remain sensitive for about 15 days, and the final result can be seen within 3 to 6 months.

After the removal of the bandage, the ears may appear bluish and swollen, which is a normal condition that tends to improve during the few following days. Also, a light band is worn only at night and for 4 weeks to protect the ears during sleep and antibiotics combined with anti-inflammatory medications should be taken for about 5 days to prevent undesirable complications.

Few hours after the surgery, it is recommended to rest in bed but starting from the next day, patients may resume daily activities avoiding excessive efforts, sudden changes in temperature and intense heat.

Possible complications

Complications are rare and consist in:

• Haemorrhage: require controlling the dressing and practice external compression hemostatics.
• Hematoma: due to an accumulation of blood or serum under the skin of the treated ear and which necessites an aspiration with a syringe.
• Infections: their incidence is rare but they require an accelerated antibiotic treatment because they may last for a long period and cause cartilage damage.

Duration of the stay

The duration of the stay for a otoplasty in Tunisia is usually 5 nights/6 days. This time will allow your physician to provide you with an optimal follow up. He will also see you at his office the day preceding your return home.

The recovery period spent in Tunisia is usually quite beneficial and allows most of our patients to resume their professional activities as soon as they arrive home.

Cost

See “personalized estimate” NEWLINE which includes: Clinical fees, surgeon an anesthesiologist rates, hotel say with room and board and the transfers (airport,clinic, hotel).

The cost of otoplasty is approximately 1600 euros.