What is Involved in Otoplasty

Otoplasty Refers to Cosmetic Surgery on the Ears

Aug 29, 2009 Debbie Roome

Corrective surgery to the ears can reduce their size and prominence, making them lie flatter against the head.

Otoplasty is a relatively simple procedure that can bring immense relief to people who are conscious of their ear size. Here are some common questions that people ask when considering otoplasty.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Otoplasty

Ears reach 90% of their adult size by the age of six or seven. For this reason, Otoplasty can be performed on children from this age upwards. Before the age of six, the cartilage is very soft and less able to hold the new shape formed by surgery. Adults can undergo the procedure at any age.

How Long Does Otoplasty take

The procedure normally takes one to two hours to perform.

What Form of Anesthesia is Used for Otoplasty

The procedure is commonly done using local anesthetic which is administered by a series of injections around the ears. These can be painful and if the patient is a young child, general anesthesia will be used instead. A sedative is commonly used in conjunction with local anesthesia

How is Otoplasty Performed

The surgery normally progresses as follows:

The incision sites are marked by the surgeon
Anesthesia is administered
An incision in made into the crease at the back of the ear
The exposed cartilage is trimmed and reshaped
The ear is sutured internally and externally
Dressings are applied and paper casts may be wrapped around the ears or a full head bandage may be used

What are the Side Effects of Otoplasty

The most common effect is pain. The surgeon will normally prescribe pain killers for use after the anesthesia has worn off. Infections and bleeding are rare but should be considered if the ears are excessively painful or swollen. Numbness in the tips of the ears may persist for several months while nerves are regenerating.

What is the Recovery Period for Otoplasty

Otoplasty is normally done on a day patient basis. The person is admitted to the hospital or clinic in the morning and discharged later the same day. The ears will remain covered for 7 to 14 days and during this time, they must be kept dry. Once the sutures are removed, it is important to avoid contact sports for three to four months.

Does Otoplasty Give Good Results

Some patients find their ears are slightly asymmetrical after their surgery. If this is really obvious, the surgeon may perform another minor procedure to correct their appearance. Having said this, many people have ears that don’t quite match and generally, no one ever notices.

Big ears are hard to disguise and it is better to get them corrected surgically than spend a lifetime trying to hide them under hairstyles and hats. A few weeks of discomfort is worth a lifetime of confidence. This is especially true if a child is being bullied because of his ears.

Recommended Reading: Your Complete Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, edited by Stacy Gregg, Penguin Books 1997/2005

The copyright of the article What is Involved in Otoplasty in General Medicine is owned by Debbie Roome. Permission to republish What is Involved in Otoplasty in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ear before Otoplasty