Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Ear surgery (technically known as Otoplasty) is generally performed for children or adults to set prominent ears back closer to the head and reduce the size of large ears. Surgery may also be helpful for “lop ear,” “cupped ear” and “shell ear,” large or stretched earlobes, torn ear lobes and lobes with creases. The desired effect is normal appearing ears with regular folds and shape.
Otoplasty is usually performed on children between the ages of four and 14 as correction is much easier in young children, when the cartilage is still thin and pliable. Additionally, large or protruding ears can be a source of significant discomfort and embarrassment and thus the earlier the surgery is performed, the less teasing a child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on the adult patient.
The procedure is generally performed under a general anesthetic, and takes from two to three hours. During surgery, incisions are made just behind the ear in the ears’ natural folds. Some cartilage and skin is usually removed and then the cartilage is set back with permanent sutures. The incisions are closed with fine sutures and soft dressings are applied, cushioning the ears. The dressings remain for a few days. Some discomfort is expected, so pain medications are prescribed and can be taken on an as-needed basis. Patients can usually resume their daily tasks in five to ten days after the procedure.