Q - What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the medical term for ear surgery, a procedure which can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Otoplasty can reshape the ears, reduce the size of large ears, set prominent ears closer to the head, or make the ears more symmetrical.

Q - How do I know if I'm a good candidate for otoplasty?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in the appearance of your ears, you may be a good candidate for otoplasty. While otoplasty can be performed on children and adults alike, it often recommended that the surgery be performed early on, as early as age four, to spare children the teasing that can occur with large or protruding ears.

Q - At what age can otoplasty be performed?
Otoplasty can be performed as early as age four and it is often recommended in younger patients as the cartilage is more pliable and the surgery can help spare children the teasing that may accompany large or protruding ears.

Q - What will happen during a consultation for otoplasty?
During your consultation, the surgeon will talk to you about your goals and what you dislike about your ears. A thorough medical history will be taken and the ears will be examined. The surgeon will recommend the most effective technique and discuss all aspects of the surgery, including the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs may be also be taken of the ears at the time of consultation.

Q - Where does the otoplasty procedure take place?
Otoplasty is often performed in a surgeon's office-based facility or an outpatient surgery center, though it may also be performed in a hospital.

Q - What type of anesthesia will I receive for my otoplasty procedure?
Younger patients often receive general anesthesia for the otoplasty procedure, while adults and older children may receive local anesthesia and sedation.

Q - How is the otoplasty surgery performed?
Otoplasty surgery begins by making incisions which are usually located in the back of the ears. Several different techniques may be used to change the appearance of the ears. The cartilage may be sculpted and bent back toward the head, with non-removable stitches used to secure the new shape if necessary. A larger piece of cartilage may be removed in order to achieve a more natural-looking fold. In some cases, the surgeon may not remove any cartilage but will fold the cartilage back on itself instead and then use stitches to reshape the ear. Both ears are usually operated on to achieve the best symmetry. A bulky bandage may be applied to the head once the surgery is finished.

Q - How long is the surgery for otoplasty?
The average surgery time for otoplasty is about two to three hours.

Q - Where are the incisions located for otoplasty?
The incisions for otoplasty are often located in the back of the ear.

Q - Will I have scars after my otoplasty procedure?
The incisions made for otoplasty will result in scars though they tend to be small and well-concealed in the back of the ears.

Q - How much pain can I expect after my otoplasty procedure?
You may experience some discomfort as the ears may throb or ache a bit for the first few days, but this can be relieved with prescription medication.

Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my otoplasty procedure?
You should expect some swelling and redness after your otoplasty surgery. Some numbness, aching or throbbing of the ears may also occur. Bandages applied after surgery may be removed within a few days and replaced with a lighter head dressing.

Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my otoplasty procedure?
Normal activities, including work and school, can usually be resumed within five to seven days

Q - How soon after my otoplasty procedure will I be able to exercise?
Any strenuous exercise, including contact sports, should be postponed for one to two months. Patients should be sure to avoid activities which may bend the ear for at least a month.

Q - When will the stitches be removed after my otoplasty surgery?
The stitches may be removed within about a week.

Q - What risks are associated with otoplasty?
As with all types of surgery, there are some risks that are associated with otoplasty and these may include adverse anesthesia reactions, blood clot, excessive scarring, infection, mismatched or artificial-looking ears, recurrence of the protrusion

Q - Will my otoplasty surgery be covered by insurance?
Otoplasty is occasionally covered by insurance and patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.