EAR SURGERY (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is usually performed to setback prominent ears closer to the head. The operation is most commonly performed on children between ages 5 and 14. In many cases this surgery is done early so the child avoids teasing and ridicule from other children. Ear surgery, (Otoplasty), is also performed on adults.

Otoplasty for adults is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the local anesthesia and sedation in our fully accredited surgical suite. For children we prefer general anesthesia at the outpatient surgical center.

One of the most common techniques involves making a small incision behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilages are then sculpted and molded with sutures. The ears are then rotated back toward the head to correct the overly prominent appearance of the ears. Sutures are then placed to anchor the ears until healing all occurs. Permanent stitches may also be used to help maintain a new shape. The incisions behind the ears are closed with small sutures and the scars are rarely evident after healing.

The recovery involves a postoperative soft and bulky head bandage for two or three days. Both adults and children are usually up and about within a few hours of surgery. Stitches are usually removed in about eight days. Most people have mild to moderate temporary discomfort following otoplasty surgery.

Another very popular and common ear surgery involves repair of earlobe lacerations, which result from heavy ear rings. The earlobe tear repairs are done in our accredited surgical facility, generally with local anesthesia. It is also common to have earlobe reduction done in conjunction with facelift surgery when indicted.