Ear Correction Surgery
Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)
Ear correction surgery, or otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure usually to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.
The ear surgery usually takes about two hours.
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. Permanent stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a small piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
A further technique which involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and permanent 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, this kind of cosmetic surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Recovery
The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.
Within a few days, a lighter head dressing similar to a headband will replace the bulky bandages. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.
Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about ten days.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent — such as contact sports — should be avoided for approximately two months.
Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery.
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear correction surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection.
Do not expect both ears to match perfectly: perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears.
You will have discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation therefore you will be quite pleased with the result.
