Ear Surgery — Otoplasty
Ear surgery, or otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
If you’re considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when it can help; how it’s performed and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.
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All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.
Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
Planning your surgery
Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child’s feelings about protruding ears; don’t insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.
In the initial meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your child’s condition or yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He or she will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. If you are smoking, please stop smoking for at least 2 months before the procedure date. This will help expedite your recovery period and encourage better healing on cellular level.
Where your surgery will be performed
Ear surgery is performed in a day hospital.
Types of anaesthesia
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage and will then sculpt the cartilage by bending it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Getting back to normal
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery.
The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon. Please refrain from smoking for at least 2 months after your surgery. This will ensure that more oxygen is available at cellular level, which will ensure faster wound healing.
Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they’re careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.
Other ear problems
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: ‘lop ear’, when the tip seems to fold down and forward; ‘cupped ear,’ which is usually a very small ear; and ‘shell ear,’ when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Sometimes, however, the correction can leave a scar that’s worse than the original problem. Ask your surgeon about the effectiveness of surgery for your specific case.
More natural looking ears
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don’t expect both ears to match perfectly perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are you’ll be quite pleased with the result.
Before and after