All Procedures
Procedure: Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Useful information for patients on ear surgery (Otoplasty) procedures - to improve the appearance of the ears.
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is a surgery to modify the shape or position of the ear. This procedure is unique, that it is the only cosmetic surgery that can be performed in childhood, which is usually covered by insurance. Patients having an issue of prominent ears with normal shaped ears, or unprojected ears, misplaced ear components, abnormal shape of ears, and ageing ears with elongated lobules are great candidates for this procedure. Preparation may include a detailed history of medical issues, medications history, and physical examination.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
The procedure takes approximately two hours.
Anesthesia
Young children are usually given general anesthesia. For older children or adults, a general or local anesthesia can be used along with sedation.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is usually an outpatient procedure.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling or bruising
- Mild temporary discomfort, aching or throbbing
- Redness
- Temporary numbness
- Infection of cartilages
- Over-correction or under-correction
- Asymmetry
- Excessive scarring
- Blood clots under tissues (hematoma)
- Protrusion recurrence
- Unnatural contours
- Unpleasing look of the ears
- Reoperation
The patient is advised to avoid pressure on the ear and dressings are placed for 3-5 days. A postoperative loose headband is required to use for 4-6 weeks at night only. Swelling may be resolved after 3-5 days after surgery. The patient may return to school or work within five to seven days. Strenuous activity, such as contact sports, may be resumed in one to two months.
Results are usually permanent.