Otoplasty

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. Occasionally it may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure, in which case you can plan on staying overnight in the hospital.

Type of anesthesia is decided depending upon the age of the patient.

If the child is young, it is recommended to do the procedure under general anesthesia, so the child will sleep through the operation. For older children or adults local anesthesia is preferred, combined with a sedative, so the patient will be awake but relaxed.

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint Scar which is usually hidden behind the ear and is not seen and that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off.

The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

After one week the bulky bandage will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband.

Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.

Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they’re careful about playground activity.

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don’t expect both ears to match perfectly – perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears.