 Otoplasty is the surgery of the ears, a procedure able to pin back protruding ears, reduce large ears, create symmetry between the ears or otherwise reshape the ears. Children aged four to fourteen are the most common patients for this procedure, though the surgery can also be performed at older ages.
Otoplasty, or ear surgery as it is more commonly known, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the ears. Surgery can be performed to pin back protruding ears, reduce the size of large ears, make the ears more symmetrical or otherwise reshape the ears. ‘
If you are considering otoplasty, it’s important that you be in good physical health and that you have realistic expectations for the surgery’s outcome. Ear surgery is commonly performed on children as young as age four so that they may be spared the teasing often associated with large or protruding ears and to take advantage of the more pliable ear cartilage. The surgery can, however, be performed on adult patients as well.
The surgical time for otoplasty typically lasts between two and three hours, with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation being used. Younger patients most often receive general anesthesia while older children and adults usually receive a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Incisions are made in the back of the ears. Working through the incisions, the ears may be improved through a variety of techniques. The ear cartilage may be sculpted and bent back toward the head with sutures used to hold the new shape or, in some cases, a large piece of cartilage may need to be removed.
After the surgery, a bulky bandage may be applied to the ears which can remain in place for several days. After that time, the bandage will likely be replaced by a lighter head dressing. Patients can expect some swelling and redness after surgery. In addition, temporary numbness, aching, throbbing and other discomfort may occur and pain medication can be prescribed to help relieve the discomfort. Stitches are generally removed after about one week. It will take an average of five to seven days before work, school and other normal activities may be resumed and one to two months before resuming more strenuous activities and contact sports. |
