Ear Surgery

Normally sized ears rarely attract attention or detract from the appearance of the face. However, large or protruding ears, especially in children, often become the target of teasing – something particularly difficult when you have no control over it. Whether an operation for you or your child, we understand your most important concern is safety, so our doctors will work with you to create a tailored procedure to ensure the safest and most natural results.

What is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Usually, the operation is done on children between the ages of five and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age five, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule your child will have to endure. However, adult ear surgery is also possible, and generally no additional risks are associated for an older patient.
 

My Ear Surgery

Repositioning protruding ears is the most common procedure for ears. Your child’s ear surgery is a highly individual procedure that requires a tailored technique to precisely correct disproportionate features. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, ear surgery may be performed on both ears to achieve a more balanced result. As with every procedure, we always have your safety in mind and strive to fulfill your goals.

Just as all of our faces are asymmetric to some degree, results of your ear surgery may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create an ear as normal as possible in structure as well as proportion to other features.

An individualized surgical plan is also necessary for treating microtia, and sometimes requires multiple procedures to achieve your desired results. While the goal is to create a normal-appearing external ear, ear reconstruction may be combined with other surgeries to improve hearing. Where cartilage – the flexible, bone-like structure that forms the outer ear – is badly misshapen or too little exists to create a more normal ear, reconstruction may require cartilage grafts. These are typically taken from the existing ear structure or the patient’s ribs.

Recovery

When deciding if ear surgery is right for you or your child, we understand that the recovery time is an important consideration. Below, you can gain a better understanding of what to expect after surgery and the amount of time to recover.

• A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as the day following surgery, as long as the ears are protected.
• The dressing will be removed in 5-7 days following your surgery.
• Healing will continue for several weeks and incision lines will slowly refine and fade.

While your child may be able to return to normal activity, children should refrain from rough or aggressive play until healing is complete. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to heal properly and ensure the greatest results.