Ear Surgery - Otoplasty

Early in life protruding ears are noticed often by parents, family, siblings, and playmates. Children who have protruding ears are victims of cruel nicknames like “Dumbo” or “Mickey Mouse,” and are the most likely candidates for otoplasty. This surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Even if the ears are only mildly distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness and poor adaptation to school.
Successful facial plastic surgery is based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

Adults may also benefit from this procedure. Often, adults choose this surgery in conjunction with other facial plastic surgical procedures. Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical.

If you are wondering how otoplasty can improve the way you look, you need to know more about otoplasty. Successful facial plastic surgery based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

Is Otoplasty right for you?

General good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Successful otoplasty is placing the ears in a normal position proportion to the size and shape of the face and head. When considering otoplasty a positive attitude toward the surgery is an important factor and is critical when the patient is a child or adolescent. A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon can help parents decide what is best for their child aesthetically and psychologically. Timing is always an important consideration. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.

Making a decision on surgery

Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine the structure of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting the problems. Even if only one ear needs “pinning back,” surgery will probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the most natural, symmetrical appearance. When otoplasty is indicated, your surgeon will discuss the details of the surgery. Your surgeon will explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs. Typically, your surgeon will suggest a general anesthesia for young patients and a local anesthetic combined with a mild sedative for older children and adults.

Understanding surgery

ISurgery begins with an incision on the back of the ear. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.

Post-operative expectations

ISoft dressings applied to the ears will remain for a few days to a week and with children an additional week of dressing is required. Most patients experience some mild discomfort for a few days. Sleeping on your back to keep pressure off the ears is recommended. Headbands are recommended to hold the ears in the desired position for two weeks after the surgery. Swelling and bruising are usually gone by two weeks and swelling will continue to decrease over the following weeks. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve birth defects or traumatic injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.