Otoplasty (Surgery of the Ear)

As many can tell you, it can be very hard to hide your ears. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, can be used to correct a variety of conditions and create more natural looking ears.

Ear surgery can help conditions including protruding ears, "lop ear," where the tip seems to fold down and forward, "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.


How it Works
Ear surgery is performed at The Carney Center as an outpatient procedure and usually takes about two to three hours, although more complicated techniques may take longer. Most ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia for young children, or local anesthesia for older children or adults.

With one of the more common techniques, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This cartilage may be sculpted and bent back toward the head. Sometimes, a piece of the cartilage will be removed to provide a more pleasing shape. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape and a more natural looking fold.

Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.


After Treatment
Most patients, adults and children, are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. A night’s stay may be required or desired, especially for youngsters, as the effects of general anesthesia wear off.

A patient's head will be wrapped in a bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding of the ear and assist with healing.

Bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter headband dressing within a few days. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so.


Is Otoplasty for you?
For the most part, otoplasty is performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years old. It can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Conventional wisdom says the earlier the better. However, it is important to be aware of your child’s feelings about protruding ears and not insist on surgery until he or she wants the change.

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