Otoplasty

Before & After
Photos

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure most often performed on children to correct protruding ears. The ears generally reach a mature size and shape by the time we reach the age of seven or eight, and otoplasty can be performed after this time.

Adults sometimes decide to have otoplasty to pin back slightly protruding ears, reduce the size of large ears, correct oddly shaped ears, or correct stretched or wrinkled earlobes. Even if only one of your ears is misshapen or protruding, the doctor may perform surgery on both ears in order to ensure that your ears match symmetrically.

Who Can Benefit From Otoplasty?

Your child may be a good candidate for otoplasty if the doctor feels the ears have finished growing and your child is emotionally prepared for the surgery. The procedure is best performed on a child just after the ears have reached their full size because the cartilage is easier to reshape in younger children. If you are an adult with asymmetrical or protruding ears, the doctor will tell you what can be accomplished with otoplasty and whether you are a good candidate for the surgery.

What is the Procedure Like?

The procedure may be performed in the doctor's office or in a hospital. You will be allowed to go home a few hours after the surgery. For young children, general anesthesia is recommended so that your child will remain asleep during the surgery. For adults and older children, a local anesthetic may be used, combined with a sedative. This allows the patient to be awake but relaxed during the procedure, with the ear area numbed so that there is no pain. If you are having the surgery as an adult, you will need someone to drive you home, even if you have only been sedated and under local anesthesia.

You will be groggy and may also need help around the house for a couple of days to take care of cooking and household tasks. Otoplasty lasts approximately two hours, and the incision is made behind the ear where any scarring will be hidden. The surgeon removes cartilage and skin as necessary to reshape the ear or place the ears back closer to the head. Sutures are used to hold the ears in position. In order for the cartilage to remain closer to the head, permanent sutures are required, but these are not painful and cannot be seen.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

You will have to wear a heavy bandage for a few days and then a headband-like dressing for a couple of weeks after your surgery in order to hold your ears in the new position. Most patients experience some mild pain and discomfort after otoplasty, which can be easily managed with prescription pain medication. An antibiotic will also be prescribed to prevent infection.

Some stitches dissolve on their own, and some may have to be removed by the doctor within a week after surgery. You can return to work – or your child can return to school – within a week after surgery, but physical activity should be limited for another week or two. It is important to make sure the ears are not bent forward during the healing process.

What Are the Risks of Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a very safe procedure, and the risks are no greater than with any minor surgery. Complications such as a blood collection (hematoma) on the ear or an infection of the cartilage are extremely rare and can usually be treated easily.  Note that otoplasty will not affect your hearing in any way.