Ear Correction

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. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally cooperative during the process and happy 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 will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. If your child is young, your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia, so the child will sleep through the operation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed. Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. The surgeon may remove a little cartilage and skin to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a 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.

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. 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.

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are you’ll be very pleased with the result.