Otoplasty

Protruding ears are an aesthetic deformity that can have a serious emotional and psychological impact on a child.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty can reduce the size of large ears, bring protruding ears back closer to the head, and reshape imperfect or irregular ears to look normal.

What is the best age to undergo otoplasty?

Unlike many cosmetic surgery procedures, otoplasty is usually performed on children, in some cases as young as 6 years old, before they start school. The reason is to prevent bullying that can occur to children with protruding ears. Otoplasty is also often performed on teenagers and adults of all ages.

Who is a candidate for otoplasty?

Ideal candidates are those who wish to change the size, shape or proportion of their ears and are realistic about the expected outcome of the procedure.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure lasts 1 to 2 hours depending on the problem.

What anesthesia is needed?

It is done under local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia and the patient leaves the hospital the same day.

How long does recovery take?

After surgery there is minimal pain. The patient can take care of himself from day one. The patient usually needs to wear a special band for the first ten days, morning and night. Then the patient wears headband for another 20 days only at night.

Are there incisions?

The incisions are often hidden behind the ear.