Ear Surgery

    Surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps correct ears which "stick out" too much or protrude.   Otoplasty can be performed on children over the age of 6 and adults.  Prominent  ears  are often the source of teasing and ridicule in young children.  This teasing can have a devastating effect on the child’s psyche.  Adults as well can benefit from having the ears repostioned.   Otoplasty is not limited to children and may also be performed on older patients.  Cosmetic procedures are available for those individuals with large ears and for those with congenital (birth) irregularities that detract from their appearance.  Additionally, an individual’s ears may exhibit abnormal traits due to their genetic make-up or an accidental injury, such as losing an ear or part of an ear.  Otoplasty is used successfully for each of these situations.  Otoplasty can have a dramatic effect on one's self confidence and can be a life changing procedure.

Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery:

  • Reposition ears if they “stick out” too much.
  • Correct folded ear tips (lop ear).
  • Reshape long or offset earlobes
  • Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear.

General Procedure

     Ear surgery is commonly performed anesthesia as an outpatient for children and adults.  The standard otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head.  Otoplasty begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear.  This incision allows the cartilage to be reshaped in order to position them closer to the head.  The procedure takes approximately two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.   Minimal pain is involved and the head will be wrapped in bulky soft dressings.  

   

Recovery Process

    After the surgery is completed, soft bandages will be wrapped around the head. This method secures the ear in place and assists with the healing process.  It is very important to be careful not to traumatize the ear in any way during the early healing period.  Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions.