The psychologic and psychosocial impact of otoplasty on children and adults.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In previous studies, our research group already evaluated the impact of aesthetic surgery on "quality of life" (QoL). This study evaluates QoL factors and perceptions of well-being after otoplasty as a single indication. METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent otoplasty were divided into three age groups: Youth 1 (Y1) = 8-12 years (n = 17), Youth 1 (Y2) = 13-17 years (n = 13), and Adult ≥18 years (n = 51). For competitive analysis, 2 groups of tests were used: a standardized self-assessment test on life satisfaction (FLZ(M)), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), the standardized Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the standardized Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4), and a self-developed and indication-specific questionnaire for "Adult" group. The tools for the groups Y1 and Y2 were: PHQ-4, KINDL(R), the Glasgow Child Benefit Inventory (GCBI), and a self-developed and indication-specific questionnaire either. RESULTS: Our data bared numerous significant improvements on patients' QoL. In the items "friends" (P = 0.036) and "freedom of anxiety" (P = 0.034) of the FLZ(M), important improvements were found. In section "satisfaction with appearance" (body image), the items "hair" (P = 0.003) and "ear" (P = 0.034) were to point out. The RSES (P = 0.001) and the FPI-R (P = 0.035) data indicated a well-balanced emotional stability. The results of the GBI/GCBI (P = 0.000/P = 0.000) showed a higher QoL of postsurgery patients. The data of the KINDL questionnaire provided increasing values in the modules "friends" (P = 0.033) and "total score" (P = 0.040) for boys of the ages 8 to 12. For all age groups, there was a less affinity to depression (PHQ-4) and a high satisfaction with the aesthetical result (indication-specific questionnaire). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed higher QoL in all age groups by using standardized tools in comparison with the norm data. The knowledge of postoperative psychologic benefits, such as "satisfaction with appearance" (body image) and "different areas of life," self-confidence, and self-esteem as well as lower level of depression support meaningfulness of otoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III: Retrospective cohort or comparative study.
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Otoplasty improves emotional, physical, and social well-being in children and adults alike, enhancing body image and reducing social anxiety.
“Otoplasty improves emotional, physical, and social well-being in children and adults alike, enhancing body image and reducing social anxiety.75–79”
From Otoplasty Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcomes: A Practical Review (2026) · cites this paper as [78]
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- Authors
- Papadopulos, N. A., Niehaus, R., Keller, E., Henrich, G., Papadopoulos, O. N., Staudenmaier, R., Kovacs, L., Herschbach, P., Pototschnig, H., & Machens, H.-G.
- Venue
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
- Published
- 2015-11
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 2309-2314
- ISSN
- 1049-2275 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1809444478
- Cited by
- 33
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1
- FWCI
- 1.68
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- mediaTUM – the media and publications repository of the Technical University Munich (Technical University Munich) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies
- Keywords
- otoplasty, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, cosmetic surgery, body image, self-esteem, life satisfaction, depression, children, adolescents, adults, postoperative outcomes, Glasgow Benefit Inventory, PHQ-4, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Freiburg Personality Inventory, KINDL
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Anxiety, Attitude to Health, Body Image, Child, Depression, Ear, External, Emotions, Esthetics, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Personal Satisfaction, Personality, Quality of Life, Retrospective Studies, Self Concept, Cohort Studies, Plastic Surgery Procedures, Friends, Young Adult
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