Ear Surgery 101

Purpose of ear surgery

Ear surgery (or otoplasty) is performed to either minimize the size of large ears or to place prominent ears in closer proximity to the head

Other purposes for ear surgery

Aside from large or protruding ears, ear surgery can amend other ear conditions:

• 'Cupped ear' - an unusually diminutive sized ear
• Enlarged earlobes
• 'Lop ear' - a tip that points forward and folds down
• Lobes with oversized creases and wrinkles
• 'Shell ear' - where the natural creases, folds and the curve of the outer rim are missing

Average aged patient of otoplasty

Since most ears are fully grown at four years of age, ear surgery is done from four to 14 years of age. However, otoplasty can be performed on adults without causing any risks, and early surgery can save children from the embarrassing ridicule of other children.

Ear surgery risks

As with any procedure, surgery carries a certain amount of uncertainty. However, a licensed, qualified plastic surgeon should have the expertise to perform a complication-free otoplasty (ear surgery).

Ear Surgery Recovery

Although ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, some parents may opt for an overnight stay for children. Subsequent to ear surgery, a medical professional will provide post surgery instructions. Basic care ensures stress-free healing. The ear is swathed in bulky bandaging and then replaced with a lighter head dressing that resembles a headband.

Aside from changing head dressings, any activity involved in touching the ear should be avoided for a month. Both children and adults recuperate pretty rapidly. Within four hours of the surgery, patients are mobile.

Contact Dr. Scheinman, the ear surgery plastic surgeon, for a consultation today.