Each child is unique in terms of pain perception but, generally speaking, there is significantly more pain at the chest wall incision than at the new ear. In all cartilage techniques, the first surgery requires a 1-3 day inpatient hospitalization due to the pain caused by removing the ribs. Patients receive IV pain medications (Morphine) until the pain is controlled on medicines you can take by mouth (Tylenol with Codeine). The ribcage is also treated for several days with a pain pump placed within the incision. This pump slowly drips numbing medicine into the area.