Ear Surgery

Am I a good otoplasty candidate?

In the first session at our office for ear surgery, we discuss your whole history and see what is wanted from this cosmetic operation. Here are some of the issues that are involved in successfully moving forward with an otoplasty:

1. Active smokers will not be good candidates as they will have to quit nicotine for six weeks of abstinence before going in for ear surgery. Smoking can raise blood pressure levels, interfere with the processes of anesthesia, cause susceptibility to infection, and, above all, impair healing that occurs in the skin or cartilage.
2. Because general anesthesia is required in the process, the patient must be in good health.
3. A prospective patient should have a realistic perception of the final outcome. Part of your consultation with us will be discussing your probable outcomes.
4. You are not allowed to sleep on your side for at least two weeks after surgery and should avoid rubbing or scratching at your ears.

What is Ear Surgery process like?

While the actual procedures may differ, they all work similarly:

Step 1: Anesthesia

Ear surgery can be performed with a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation or general anesthesia. We always work with board-certified anesthesiologists for optimal patient safety.

Step 2: Incision:

As much as possible, we make the incisions on the back of the ear. If they have to be placed on the front, we try to place the incisions in the folds of the ear. This way, we avoid as much visible scarring as possible.

Step 3: Incision Closure

After the repair, we will close the site using sutures and a dressing. You will leave here wearing a headband during your recovery. On average, most patients take approximately two hours for the entire operation.

What can you expect?

Before

On the first consultation for Otoplasty, we will discuss your case with you and examine the structure of your ears to know exactly what you aim to achieve, followed by assessing your medical history. Then, you will have all the information regarding the ear surgery procedure, any potential outcome, and complications that may occur. There might be advice to avoid smoking and particular medications taken in order not to lead to bleeding during the treatment. In the case of young patients, specific measures concerning their adaptation to the whole process might be considered.

During

Otoplasty usually takes 1-2 hours of surgery and can be done formally or informally. It can employ local sedation or general anesthesia based on the age and other particulars of the operation. To reshape the ears close to the head in a natural fashion, the cosmetic surgeon incises behind the ears and rearranges the section of cartilage. At the end of surgery, the surgeon can suture the incision, which in some way lessens the appearance of a scar.

After

After the operation, you will feel some pain or may swell and possibly discolor around the surgery area, but these complications are manageable once you take some specified pain relievers. During surgery, the external ears will be wrapped; while healing, one must wear a protective headband at night. Most people return to work or school within a week, but you must avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Results are usually observed right away, but full recovery takes weeks as the swelling resolves. We will continue to monitor recovery.

Ear Surgery Recovery Time:

Immediately after the otoplasty, the patient experiences some pain, tenderness, and swelling. In most cases, the management of these symptoms is ensured through the use of medication. The patients are asked to avoid sleeping on one's side in order not to create any pressure on the ears.