Surgical Procedures
Advanced Procedures Designed for Lasting Beauty
Otoplasty
Surgery to correct prominent ears, called “otoplasty,” can be done at any age after 4 years. By 4, the ear cartilage is strong enough to withstand surgery and has reached its adult size. Special suture techniques allow an otoplasty surgeon to reshape the ear cartilage into a natural shape.
Most patients are treated with a head dressing for the first day and then can usually use a head band to keep the ears comfortable for another two weeks.
Minor asymmetries between ears is common. The best candidates for this surgery are adults or children who are in good general health, have no untreated chronic ear infections, are emotionally mature enough to understand what is being done, and have realistic expectations about what this procedure can do for them. Otoplasty does not solve hearing problems.
Procedure
There are a number of different techniques in Otoplasty surgery. The main types are suture technique and scoring technique. The suture technique uses long term sutures to mold the cartilage and permanently alter the shape. The sutures can rarely extrude though the skin. If this does occur the new shape of the ear may have already been formed and the sutures just need to be removed.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Please arrange for a responsible adult to take you and pick you up from your surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.