Otoplasty. Is it done under general, local or IV?

Question

was wondering whether otoplasty is done under general or local? I'm 17, nearly 18 but kinda don't want to be awake. I've had bad experiences with local not being enough and I sometimes have adverse reactions to oral sedatives. Can you have a choice??

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The choice of anesthesia for a cosmetic surgical procedure is dependent on the surgeon and the patient.  I normally perform otoplasty surgery under local anesthesia with IV sedation.  If you prefer general anesthesia, you should discuss this with your surgeon.  I would say in most cases, a procedure done under general anesthesia will incur an increase in cost versus a procedure done with IV sedation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Otoplasty Surgery is a very patient pleasing operation that can be performed under local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Much will depend on surgeon preference, specific patient anxiety level, and/or technical details of the procedure. Most important will be: careful selection of plastic surgeon. You will want to make sure that your plastic surgeon has significant/demonstrable experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more.   Best wishes.

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

Any otoplasty surgery will require the use of
some type of anaesthesia to ease pain and discomfort. The type of anesthesia
administered, however, depends on the invasiveness of the procedure, as well as
the maturity and preferences of the patient. Local anaesthesia is considered
sufficient for patients who have a high discomfort/pain threshold and who are
generally more comfortable with the idea of being awake during the procedure. Meanwhile,
general anesthesia can be administered in cases where the ear pinning surgery
is more intensive or for patients who are more anxious about pain and
discomfort. Alternatively sedation or twilight anaesthesia is available which
is more comfortable than local anaesthetic where you sleep during the surgery. The
decision on which anesthesia to employ can be made directly with your surgeon
and/or anaesthesiologist, either of which can answer your questions in greater
detail.

Edward Farrior, MD · Answer

In a mature individual whether or not they are a child, adolescent or adult the surgery can be performed with local anesthesia.  This is typically done after mild sedation with a benzodiazepine(Valium) and a mild narcotic.  The ear is completely anesthetize and there is no pain once the local anesthesia is completed.  The local anesthesia can be accomplished with minimal discomfort.  The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half pending on the complexity and the causes of the protruding ear.  I would recommend that you communicate to your surgeon these concerns.  There are  medications that can be supplemented for the one you may have had in the past

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

If an otoplasty is performed with the minimally invasive stitch method, the operation is done under local anaesthesia from the age of 12 years. If one is operated on with the significantly more invasive traditional method, it is up to the patient and the surgeon to decide whether the operation is carried out under local or general anaesthesia.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we perform most otoplasty procedures  under local anesthesia, since the ear is very easy to numb up. The patients undergo the procedure in our outpatient surgery center which takes about an hour. If patients desire to have general anesthesia, there is an additional fee  to have the physician anesthesiologist  monitor the patient's during the anesthetic

Stella Desyatnikova, MD · Answer

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be 
performed under either general anesthesia or 
local anesthesia with light sedation.  As always, it is important that 
you seek a consultation with a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon to have 
all of your options explained to you.  You should discuss your concerns with 
your Plastic Surgeon, and they will discuss with you the risks and benefits 
associated with both types of anesthesia.  You will decide together which option 
is best for you. Best of luck!

Anthony Youn, MD · Answer

Although I perform otoplasty under a general anesthetic, many doctors successfully perform it under sedation or even local anesthesia. It really depends on the individual doctor, and there isn't a set 'right way.' Make sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and only have the surgery when you feel that the two of you are on the same page.Good luck!

Otoplasty. Is it done under general, local or IV?

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Ear construction failure. Is it possible to cover my ear with flap to make rib cartilage survive? (photos)

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