Ear Surgery
Otoplasty

Introduction
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

What Are The Risks Involved?
Complications are infrequent and usually minor. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. Occasionally, patients develop an infection.

The Surgery
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital under general anesthesia. It usually takes about two hours. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage and bend it back toward the head.

After The Surgery
The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following the operation to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. Within few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so.

In Conclusion
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery.