Otoplasty

WHAT IS OTOPLASTY?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. The incisions are behind the ear and the cartilage is shaped with sutures. This is often performed on children after the age of four; however, many adults opt to have ear surgery to rectify lifelong concerns and improve self-image. Other reasons why you might consider otoplasty include:

• The ears stick out too far from the head
• The ears are too large in proportion to the head
• A birth defect or injury
• Dissatisfaction with prior ear surgery

Otoplasty surgery is usually done on both ears. Although otoplasty can change the size and shape of your ears, it won’t change the location of your ears or affect your ability to hear.

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HOW IS OTOPLASTY PERFORMED?

Otoplasty surgery uses local anesthesia or sedation. Otoplasty may include a variety of surgical techniques to improve the contour, size and projection of the ears. Dr. Leake will make incisions, based on the type of correction required. Often, incisions for otoplasty are made on the back surface of the ear in the groove between the ear and the head. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within the depths of the folds in the ear to hide them. Internal, non-dissolvable sutures are used to reshape and secure the cartilage in place. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision on the back of the ear. A bulky dressing is worn for three days after surgery.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY?

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and oral pain medication may help. Patients (children and adults) can return to school/work within one week. After the dressings are removed, a headband (called a buff) is worn at night for three months to protect the ears while sleeping. Patients may return to normal exercise within two weeks and sports activities within three weeks.