Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is available; there are generally no additional risks associated with an older patient. There are a variety of ear problems besides large ears that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward, "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear, and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, or the natural folds and creases are missing. Surgery can improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.

Cosmetic ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. In a common procedure for prominent ears, Dr. Stein makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He 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, a larger piece of cartilage will be removed 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.

After Ear Surgery

Patients 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 of general anesthesia wear off. A bulky bandage will be wrapped around the patient's head immediately following surgery to promote molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. After a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Follow the doctor'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.

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery.