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What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the ears and make them in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head. With otoplasty, the ears may be pinned or set back, reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical.
Who is the best candidate for the procedure?
Good candidates for otoplasty include individuals who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in improving the appearance of large or protruding ears. Though the procedure is most often performed on children between the ages of five and fourteen, otoplasty may also be performed on adults. However, adult patients should be aware that fully developed ears have firmer cartilage which does not provide the same molding capacity as in children.
Are there any age restrictions for who can undergo surgery?
Otoplasty can be performed on children once the ears have reached full size, which tends to occur around the age of five or six. In fact, it's often thought that the younger the surgery is performed, the better because surgery can spare children the teasing associated with large or protruding ears and because the ear cartilage is more pliable at a younger age. Adult patients should know that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears may not have the same molding capacity as in children.
What happens during a consultation for otoplasty?
During the consultation for otoplasty, the surgeon will examine the structure of the ears and take a thorough medical history. He or she will discuss your options, the surgical technique, the anesthesia, the surgical facility and the costs. If you decide to move ahead with surgery, the surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on preparing for your procedure.
Where is it performed?
Otoplasty may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
What type of anesthesia is used for the procedure?
Younger patients often receive general anesthesia, while older children and adults often receive a combination of local anesthesia and mild sedation.
How is the actual procedure performed?
Otoplasty is often performed on both ears even when only one ear requires work. This allows for the most symmetrical and natural appearance to the ears. The surgery begins by making an incision which is typically located just behind the ear in a natural fold. Once the incision is made, the desired look may be achieved by removing cartilage and skin, reshaping cartilage, and/or pinning the cartilage back with permanent sutures.
How long is the surgical time for it?
Otoplasty typically takes about two hours to complete.
Where are the incisions made?
The incision for otoplasty is typically made just behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear meets the head.
Are there scars after the procedure?
The incision made for otoplasty will result in a scar, however it is well-concealed within a natural crease behind the ear and will fade into a thin white line over time.
Is it a painful procedure?
Most patients experience some mild discomfort as the ears may throb or ache a bit during the first few days.
What is the recovery like after otoplasty?
Dressings applied to the ears are typically removed within a few days after surgery. These may be replaced by a headband which is typically worn for about two weeks to hold the ears in the desired position. Patients may experience some mild discomfort and sleep may be disrupted for those accustomed to sleeping on their side as pressure cannot be put on the ear areas.
When will I be able to return to work or school after otoplasty?
Most patients are able to return to work or school within about five to seven days after the procedure.
How soon after otoplasty can exercise be resumed?
Strenuous activities, contact sports, and any activity in which the ear can be bent should be postponed for about one to two months.
When are the stitches removed after the otoplasty procedure?
Traditional stitches are usually removed within about a week of the procedure, while self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own in about the same time.
What are the risks or complications associated with otoplasty?
The risks associated with otoplasty are minimal but may include the following: adverse anesthesia reactions, blood clot, excessive scarring, infection, mismatched or artificial-looking ears, and recurrence of the protrusion.
Does insurance cover the cost of otoplasty?
Surgery performed for purely cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available for procedures performed to correct or improve traumatic injuries or birth defects.
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