Otoplasty / Ear Surgery
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, reduces the size of large ears or ‘pins’ them back closer to the head so that they protrude less. There are a variety of other ear problems that can also be helped with surgery and include lop ear, cupped ear and shell ear.
The best candidates for Otoplasty are children between the ages of 4-14. The earlier the surgery is performed the less teasing the child may have to endure, however there is generally no increased risk with performing the surgery on adults in good health.
The best candidates for Otoplasty are children between the ages of 4-14. The earlier the surgery is performed the less teasing the child may have to endure, however there is generally no increased risk with performing the surgery on adults in good health.
Surgical Procedure
Hospital Admission
Pre Operative Care
Please inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). To eliminate the chance of post-op. bleeding you should avoid aspirin and any medication containing brufen for two weeks prior to surgery.
Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you or your child a consultation in which he or she will assess your condition and the possible treatments available to you and give you directions on preparation for surgery. If the surgery is for your child you should listen carefully to their wishes and feelings. You should not insist on the surgery until they decide that they would like to make a change. This will ensure that they are more comfortable going into surgery and happier with the results achieved.
Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you or your child a consultation in which he or she will assess your condition and the possible treatments available to you and give you directions on preparation for surgery. If the surgery is for your child you should listen carefully to their wishes and feelings. You should not insist on the surgery until they decide that they would like to make a change. This will ensure that they are more comfortable going into surgery and happier with the results achieved.
Post Operative Care
Following surgery, your head will be wrapped in bandages to maintain the position and facilitate healing. The ears may throb or ache for a few days following surgery. This is normal and will disappear with time.
After a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing and eventually a head band. It is very important that the dressings are worn at all times, especially at night when you go to bed.
Sutures, if used, will be removed or will dissolve in about 1 week. Each individual is different, however, following surgery you may experience some of the following side effects: temporary throbbing, aching and swelling, redness, and numbness. For the first few months, patients should avoid any strenuous activities or contact sports. You will be able to return to work or school within 5 to 7 days.
After a few days, the bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing and eventually a head band. It is very important that the dressings are worn at all times, especially at night when you go to bed.
Sutures, if used, will be removed or will dissolve in about 1 week. Each individual is different, however, following surgery you may experience some of the following side effects: temporary throbbing, aching and swelling, redness, and numbness. For the first few months, patients should avoid any strenuous activities or contact sports. You will be able to return to work or school within 5 to 7 days.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient. Everybody is different.
A small proportion of patients develop a blood clot on the ear. This may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Infection is another common risk, but with the use of antibiotics, this is practically eliminated.
Very rarely excessive scarring, mismatched or artificial-looking ears or a recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery is experienced however this is very uncommon.
A small proportion of patients develop a blood clot on the ear. This may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Infection is another common risk, but with the use of antibiotics, this is practically eliminated.
Very rarely excessive scarring, mismatched or artificial-looking ears or a recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery is experienced however this is very uncommon.