Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a surgical procedure to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. The procedure is most commonly performed on children between the ages of six and 14. Adults may also benefit from the procedure. Sometimes ear surgery is performed in conjunction with other facial plastic surgical procedures. With otoplasty, the ears can be “pinned back” as well as reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. The procedure will not alter hearing ability.

How the surgery is performed
The surgeon performs the procedure by making an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Then, the surgeon may sculpture and/or remove the necessary amount of skin and cartilage required to achieve the desired look. In some cases, it is not necessary to remove any cartilage, only requiring stitches to hold the cartilage in place permanently.

Otoplasty usually takes two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The surgeon will typically recommend general anesthesia for young patients and local with sedation for older children and adults. This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient. Occasionally, the surgeon may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient, in which case you can expect to stay overnight at the hospital.

What to expect after surgery
Following the procedure, your head will be wrapped in a soft, bulky dressing to promote healing. You will probably feel mild discomfort to the ears for the first few days. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication for you to manage your discomfort. After several days, the surgeon will replace the bulky dressing with a lighter head dressing (very similar to a head band) that you will wear at night as well for up to one week. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.

Resuming work and other activities
Adults and children are usually up and about within a few hours after the procedure. The average time to return to work is five to seven days. You may resume strenuous activity and contact sports after one to two months. Children can return to school after seven days or so. Playground activity will still be restricted at that time.