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.

The 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.

How Long Should I Stay In The Hospital After The Surgery? 

Usually, no overnight stay is required.

How Long Is The Surgery? 

The surgery will take 1 to 2 hours.

How To Prepare For The Surgery? 

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 sees it necessary according to the condition of the patient.

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 Is The Surgery Performed? 

The patient will first be administered either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. To correct the position of the ears, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ears, remove the excess skin and cartilage, and fix the ears closer to the head with stitches.

It is 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 the reduction of the earlobe or scapha cartilage.  

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.

Ear Pinning Surgery Complications

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 

Otoplasty surgery side effects can include: 

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

Otoplasty Sucess Rate

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 take 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.