Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery:
An otoplasty is a procedure to correct enlarged, protruding ears in children and adults. Prominent ears are the result of over development of the cartilage “bowl” of the ear as well as lack of formation of cartilaginous folds near the upper rim of the ear. This procedure is performed by making an incision behind the ear and removing excess “bowl” cartilage. Then rim folds are restored with sutures. This procedure can be performed on first graders up to senior citizens. My oldest patient, who was 77, told me, “I have waited 70 years to have this performed.” The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in children. Local anesthesia is frequently all that is necessary for adults. After the correction, the focus is completely removed from the ears.
Ear surgery procedures are generally very well tolerated. It is important to wear a protective head band that will keep the ears held in place to minimize the risk of disrupting the repair. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral pain medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the post-op instructions.