Ear Surgery

Recommended For Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty surgery, can correct and improve the proportion, position, or shape of the external ear. 

Candidates for otoplasty surgery or ear surgery usually suffer from one or more of the following: 

• Extremely large ears – known in the medical world as macrotia 
• Extremely small ears – known in the medical world as microtia 
• Protruding ears also called prominent ears which can affect the patient’s confidence 
• Anotia – a very rare condition where the external ear is totally absent 
• Deformities caused by injury or trauma to the external ear 
• Split earlobes which occur gradually due to large or heavy earrings
• Previous otoplasty surgery 

Patients need to be at least 5 years old in order to have ear surgery or otoplasty surgery. Middle ear infections (otitis media) are common in children. Recurrent ear infection may require insertion of ear tubes. However, this type of ear surgery has a different purpose than an otoplasty procedure.

 

Not Recommended For Ear Surgery

Ear surgery or otoplasty surgery is not recommended for children under the age of five. The procedure must be performed after the ear reached its full growth. Otoplasty procedure is the best option for patients who are in good health, have no active diseases or severe pre-existing medical conditions, do not smoke heavily and have realistic expectations for the results of the surgery. 

Patients with an active infection in or around the ear’s region are not good candidates for this procedure.

Discharge From Hospital

Usually no overnight stay is required

Duration Of Operation

1 to 2 hours

Overview

Otoplasty surgery, also known as ear surgery, is a type of plastic surgery procedure performed in order to correct any defects or deformities of the pinna (also known as the external ear). Ear surgery can also be performed to reconstruct a deformed, absent, or defective external ear as reconstructive surgery. However, to pin back the ears so that they look better is a cosmetic procedure. Ears can be considered "prominent" if they stand out more than 2 centimeters from the side of the head. Prominent ears can be annoying for children, who may be exposed to bullying and teasing. Otoplasty is performed more commonly during childhood but can be performed on patients of any age, as well. 

Defects or deformities of the ear can be caused by: 

• Congenital conditions which are present from birth such as anotia or microtia
• Physical trauma or disease in the ear region

 

Preparation

Patients need to stop smoking at least a month before the otoplasty surgery, as it can interfere with the healing process and the anesthesia used. The usage of vitamins, current medications, supplements, and alcohol should be examined and limited if the doctor see it necessary according to the condition of the patients. Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicine, herbal supplements, herbal teas and omega 3 capsules need to be avoided for at least 2 weeks because they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. 

How It Is Performed

The patient will first be administered either a local anesthesia, an intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. To correct the position of the ears, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ears, removed the excess skin and cartilage, and fix the ears closer to the head with stitches. It also common to correct the shape and position of the ear by reshaping the ear cartilage. Although there are several techniques used to reduce the size of the ears, the most common ones involve reduction of the earlobe or scapha cartilage.  

Recovery

Patients need to wear dressings over the wound for around 5 days during the otoplasty recovery period. Patients also need to wear a headband while sleeping for around 3 to 6 weeks after the otoplasty surgery to avoid any pressure on the ears. Numbness may continue for several weeks, and mild bruising will generally disappear in up to 2 weeks. Patients may feel their ears stiff for several months. Soreness, pain and general discomfort particularly at night, can last for a few months.

Patients can usually return to work in around one or two weeks - most of the post-op swelling will subside during this period, but it may take up to 3 months for it to dissipate completely.

Risks

Ear surgery risks and complications can include: 

• Allergy to anesthesia, sutures or tape used
• Excessive bleeding 
• Asymmetry 
• Infection 
• Persistent pain 
• Unfavorable wound healing 
• Inflamed, itchy scars
• Revision surgery 

Side Effects

Otoplasty surgery side effects can include: 

• Bleeding 
• Itching sensations 
• Nausea
• Mild pain or discomfort
• Temporary changes in skin sensation

Success Rates

Success rates in ear surgery are 91% in primary surgery and 100% success in revision surgeries, which were accepted as quite satisfactory. 

Before And After

Otoplasty surgery results are visible immediately, especially in cases of protruding ears. With the ear permanently located closer to the head, surgical scars are typically hidden behind the ear or alternatively hidden within the natural creases of the ear.

Faq

Can Otoplasty Surgery or Ear Surgery Affect or Improve My Hearing?
No, it cannot. Ear surgery can only improve the aesthetics of the external ear. 

Can the Earlobe Be Reduced As Well, During Otoplasty Surgery?
Definitely – earlobe reduction or earlobe reconstruction is a popular ear surgery procedure. Larger earlobes are a sign of old age and many people find them unattractive. And there are new techniques developed and used for this condition which takes approximately 15 minutes per earlobe.

How Long Before I Can Resume Sports or Exercise After Ear Surgery?
Patients need to avoid any type of exercise for at least 6 weeks after the ear surgery. Contact sports need to be avoided for at least 3 months after otoplasty surgery.

Back To Work

1 to 2 weeks

Back To Sports

6 weeks