The CO2 laser is a type of laser surgery that uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove tissue from the body. The laser beam vaporizes the tissue it comes in contact with.
CO2 laser surgery is often used for:
- Removing skin lesions
- Reshaping the nose
- Removing vocal cord lesions
- Resurfacing the skin (ablative laser resurfacing)
Surgical CO2 laser-assisted otoplasty is performed to the appearance of protruding, unpleasant auricles. It helps to reduce the mastoid-scapha position up to roughly 30 degrees as well as conchal-scapha position is reduced to roughly 90 degrees.
Before undergoing CO2 laser ear surgery, you will need to consult with your surgeon. They will assess your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also take photos of your ears from different angles. This is important because it helps them determine the best course of treatment.
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia with the help of a CO2 laser as an alternative to a knife for incision. CO2 laser ear surgery is known for less pain and minimal scarring. The surgeon will start the procedure by marking the incision sites. Planning the procedure by marking aids in complete rectification of the size, angles, and position of the ears, thus accomplishing an excellent aesthetical outcome. Next, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin behind the ear. Then, they will gently sculpt the cartilage and remove any excess skin. Finally, they will close the incision with sutures.
If the individual has a discrepancy in the size and shape of the scapha or an undersized antihelix and helix fold, resulting in a forward tilting or drooping of the ear tip, a second incision will be made in the scapha’s dorsal face. Its dimension has to be appropriate to the anticipated degree of rectification for that specific region.
The entire procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete and, in most cases, it is accomplished as an outpatient surgery.