Otoplasty


Otoplasty, or surgery to correct protruding ears, can be performed at almost any age though the surgery is
most often performed on children at age five or six when the ear has reached full development. Adult ear
surgery is also possible. Generally, there are no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an adult.

Otoplasty is especially helpful to eliminate psychological trauma when ears are corrected before the child
starts school.

By reshaping the cartilage, the ears are placed closer to the head through incisions placed behind the ears
so scars are well hidden.

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

One of the more common methods involves making a small incision in the back of the ear, then sculpting
the exposed cartilage and positioning it back toward the head. Occasionally, a larger piece of cartilage will
be removed to provide a more natural-looking fold.

A gauze bandage is worn for about a week after surgery so the ears will heal in their new, flat, position.
Stitches are usually removed in about a week. After bandage is removed, it is advised to wear a sport head
-band for several weeks when at home.

Otoplasty usually leaves a faint scar behind the ear that will fade in time.

Most adults will be able to return to work after about five days; children can go back to school after about a
week.