Local or General Anaesthesia in Otoplasty?

Either is reasonable.Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of facial and ear correction surgeries each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Otoplasty can be performed under a variety of anesthesia types, such as general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia, and IV sedation.  The choice is up to the patient and surgeon.  I find that most otoplasties can be easily performed with IV sedation and local anesthesia.  Some patients may prefer to be completely knocked out, so a general anesthesia may be best for these people.  

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.

Either method is reasonable.  Local  anesthesia is less costly and can be done without any discomfort while watching a movie.  However for children or very anxious adult patients light general anesthesia is appropriate.  

Thank you for submitting your question. Otoplasty can be performed with local anesthesia, moderate sedation, or a general anesthesia.   It is extremely well-tolerated under local anesthesia alone, so we perform most otoplasties in our practice this way.   We often provide a small amount of oral sedation to make the patient more comfortable. We then proceed with injection of a nerve block and local anesthetic.   The patient feels no pain during the procedure.   Most patients prefer local anesthesia however we take into consideration the patient's comfort and anxiety level and we are open to providing whatever level anesthesia is necessary and/or desired.

 Most otoplasties  In our practice  are performed under local anesthesia. The ear is relatively easy to numb with local injections in front and behind the ear. Its more expensive to do otoplasty under general anesthesia.

Vinnie : Either method is appropriate. I personally prefer local anesthesia with preoperative oral medication. It basically depends on the tolerability of the patient and their degree of anxiety.

Once injected the should be no pain.

 

Best wishes,

Richard Maloney, M.D.