Otoplasty

Otoplasty is surgery used to correct protruding ears.  Generally the ear has achieved its adult size and position by five years of age.  Ears which stand out exceptionally far from the head or are deformed by tilting forward or backwards can be a subject of ridicule for a young child.  The surgery can be performed prior to the time a child begins school until adulthood.

Incisions are made in the crease behind the ear and the cartilage of the ear is cut and at times partially removed in order to reshape and reposition the ears.  Sutures beneath the skin are place to hold the ear in its new position and configuration.  The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in children but may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation in adults.

Following surgery the ears are wrapped with an occlusive dressing.  This dressing will be changed on the fifth postoperative day and you will be given an appropriate head bandage to wear for the next several days.  Children will be instructed to wear a headband (ski-type) at night for about three weeks.

Pain and bleeding are usually minimal following the procedure.  Swelling can be expected for about 2 weeks after surgery.  

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