Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) Plastic Surgery

Protruding ears can cause problems at any age and make a child the object of cruel comments by peers. Prominent, protruding ears do not look natural – on adults or children. 

Ideally - ears are positioned close to the side of the head.  Children with “Dumbo ears” begin to recognize the difference between their ears and those of their peers between the ages of three to four years old.  Damaging, caustic remarks made by peers begin to leave psychological scars in a child as young as six years old.  Adults who have lived with prominent ears may be sensitive about their appearance and display it through a poor self-image.  Promin Auris   (outstanding ears) - is an inherited condition that affects about 5% of Caucasian children. Young or old – the unwanted attention that comes from unnatural looking ears can be and is damaging. CCI recommends Otoplasty surgery for children and adults and can perform it as early as ages 5-6 years old.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR OTOPLASTY (EAR RESHAPING)?
Any child or adult who has protruding ears may be a good candidate for ear correction surgery.  It is best if a child has reached six years of age, because by this age the ear has achieved 90% of its adults’ size. An adult of any age, who is in good health, and who wants to correct protruding ears may be a good candidate.

First consults are critical for the patient and the surgeon – they should always be done face-to-face with the surgeon – and not delegated to other staff.

OTOPLASTY SURGERY OVERVIEW:
After you are prepped and made comfortable, CCI will make an incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage.  Working through this incision, he will reshape the cartilage then sutures will secure the ear to its new position. With children a general anesthetic is used while a local anesthetic is normally used for adults. After surgery, a turban type bandage is wrapped around the head and will be worn for a few days and must be kept dry. Bruising, swelling and disrupted sleep are normal, but this resolves a little each day as healing occurs.  Students are usually able to return to school 1-2 weeks following surgery but cannot participate in sports or strenuous activities until released by CCI.  Healing is gradual and the changes with Otoplasty surgery are subtle.  Final results are assessed at the end of one year, however patients tell us how pleased they are – much sooner. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OTOPLASTY SURGERY:

What is Otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty – also called ear correction surgery – is a procedure designed to minimize the appearance of protruding ears by repositioning them back closer to the head in a more natural position.

Can a person of any age have Otoplasty surgery?
Yes – if needed.  However, it is better for a child to be age six or seven before having ear correction surgery.  This allows the ears to reach 90% of their adult growth.  Adults of any age can have Otoplasty surgery if they are in good health and have realistic expectations.

Where does CCI perform Otoplasty surgery?
Surgeries are performed in a state-of-the-art, accredited, out-patient surgery center. It is fully equipped and prepared to handle out-patient surgeries.

What type of anesthesia will be used?
For a small child he normally uses general anesthesia.  For older children and adults he uses local anesthesia combined with sedation.

How long does the surgery take?
Typically it takes from two to three hours to perform your ear correction surgery.  This varies from patient to patient – depending upon the extensiveness of the surgery and the techniques used.

Where does CCI make the incision(s)?
He will make these behind your ears – and they will be well hidden.

Is Otoplasty a painful surgery?
Some discomfort is normal.  Aching and throbbing are typical the first few days.  This is easily managed with oral pain medication.

When will the stitches be removed?
Your stitches will be removed or will dissolve in about a week.

How much time is required  away from work or school?
Most children are able to get back to a normal schedule in about a week.  Adults normally are able to drive and return to work within a few days. 

What about exercise and sports?
CCI restricts his patients from strenuous/rigorous exercise, contact sports and any activity that would risk injuring the ears until healing is well progressed – from 1-2 months.

Will my insurance pay for Otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty surgery is a cosmetic surgery that is usually not covered by insurance.  However, if it is performed for medical purposes it may be covered.  Check with your insurance company.

If only one ear is protruding – does CCI correct both ears?
Typically yes in order to achieve the desired balance.