What it is: Ear Surgery is a plastic surgery procedure meant to address protruding, large or abnormally shaped ears. Ear Surgery plastic surgery is also referred to as Otoplasty.
Search terms: Ear Plastic Surgery, Otoplasty, Plastic Surgery Ears, Ear pinning
How Ear Surgery is performed
One of many surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the appearance of your ear(s). The particular technique that your plastic surgeon recommends will depend on the nature of the problem and many other factors including your desires. Because of
individual factors, not everyone
will achieve the same results from ear surgery. Your plastic surgeon will select the surgical technique that he or she feels will obtain the best outcome for you.
For protruding ears: The supporting tissue of the ears, called cartilage, is reshaped in order to position your ears closer to your head. This usually is accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears.
Subsequent scars will be concealed in the natural skin crease. In some cases, especially in ears that need to be reduced in size or are protruding in the middle 1/3 of the ear, external incision of the front (outside surface) of the ear will be necessitated. Usually these are placed in areas where they will heal in a more inconspicuous manner. In ear reductions, skin as well as cartilage will most often need to be removed.
Who should consider Ear Surgery?
Ear Surgery can improve:
- Protruding ear(s)- Majority of the cosmetic surgery performed on ears.
- Large ear(s)
- Abnormally shaped ear(s)
Ear surgery often is recommended for children as they near total ear development at age five or six. Correction of the ears prior to the child entering school helps eliminate potential psychological trauma from the teasing of classmates. Adults may also have their ears reshaped. As long as you are in good health, there is no upper age limit for this surgery.
Doctor Consultation: what to ask about Otoplasty
In addition to your surgeon performing a history and physical examination, your doctor consultation is the time to ask questions.
- See the Ear Surgery consultation checklist
- Read about the experiences of others who've had Ear Surgery. See real Ear Sugery reviews.
During the initial consultation, you may be asked to look in a mirror and point out exactly what you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase some risks associated with ear surgery. Your plastic surgeon will want to know if you have allergies.
Getting ready for Ear Surgery
If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued prior to surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions. Aesthetic ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours.
During Ear Surgery
Your ear surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing ear surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances (especially young children). For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
After Ear Surgery
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will be instructed to inform your caretaker if the dressings feel too tight. There is surprisingly little discomfort, however, from the surgery, especially if the ears are in a head dressing. You probably will be permitted to go home after a short period of observation, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.
Recovery from Ear Surgery
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
First few days: The first several days you should maintain head elevation as much as possible. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications. Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period.
After surgery, you may be instructed to wear gauze dressing or bandage for a few days or up to several weeks to ensure that your ears heal in their new, corrected position. Often a ski band to cover the ears is worn at night to prevent the ears from bending during sleep.
Initially, pain is usually controlled with oral medication. Some patients find that mild swelling persist for many weeks.
Within 7 to 10 days: Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually removed within a week of surgery. In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within ten days or less. Most people return to work at 7- 10 days.
Ear Surgery Results: what to expect
Usually the final results of the ear surgery are very long lasting.
Ear Surgery side effects
Significant complications from facelifts are infrequent. However, anyone considering surgery should be aware of both the benefits and risks. These are best discussed on a personal basis with your surgeon or one of their qualified staff members.
Potential complications may occur include:
- hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin)
- infection
- allergic reactions
- changes in sensation
- scarring
- damage to underlying structures
- need for revisions due to unsatisfactory aesthetic results
Sutures may be visible or may even break allowing for partial or complete recurrence of the protrusion and / or loss of the ear fold. Irregularities, sharp folds and other shape abnormalities may ensue. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your ear surgery.
Ear Surgery cost
Ear Surgery cost can vary widely as reflected in the Ear Surgery cost data posted on RealSelf.com. A surgeon’s cost for a Ear Surgery may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.
Costs may include:
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Facility fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Medications
- Surgical garments
- Medical tests
Terminology to know
- Earlobe Reduction: A simple, 30-minute procedure, earlobe reduction can be performed in a plastic surgeon's office or at the same time as a facelift operation. The earlobe should not comprise more than 25 percent of the total length of the ear. In cases where it exceeds this dimension, an L-shaped wedge is cut away, the earlobe edges are brought together and sutured.
- General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
- Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
- Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
- Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
- Otoplasty (Ear Surgery): The ears are positioned closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage (supporting tissue). This is usually accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears so that subsequent scars will be concealed in a natural skin crease. Otoplasty can be performed on children as early as age five or six.