Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Why an otoplasty?
Am I a good candidate?
Surgical Procedure
Recovery
Risks & Complications

Why an otoplasty?
Otoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures for children. The majority of patients who undergo otoplasty are between 4 and 14 years old, although many adults also elect to have the procedure. Ear surgery can correct protruding ears (excessive ear cartilage), large or otherwise deformed earlobes, “lop ear” (where the ear tip bends down and forward), and “cupped” or “shell ear” (which could be a very tiny ear or an ear without natural creases).

Am I a good candidate?
You would be a good candidate if:

• You have realistic expectations and understand the risks involved in the surgery
• You are no younger than 4 years of age
• You have prominent, disproportionate, deformed or absent ear(s)
• You are medically fit

Surgical Procedure
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 or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend 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 when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

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.

Recovery
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off.

Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.

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.

Risks & Complications
Complications are possible with any plastic surgery, though they are rare with otoplasty especially in the hands of a qualified experienced surgeon. Possible complications include:

• Blood clot on the ear which may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.
• Infection in the cartilage causing the formation of scar tissue requiring antibiotics treatment and in rare cases surgery to drain the infected area.
• Mismatched or artificial looking ears
• Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery.