EAR SURGERY
(Otoplasty)
| Procedure: | Fix prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. More usual done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (Occasionally covered by insurance.)
| | Length: | 2 to 3 hours.
| | Anesthesia: | Young children: usually general. Older children or adults: general or local, with sedation | | In/Outpatient: | Usually outpatient.
| | Side Effects: | Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness.
| | Risks: | Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial-looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, demanding repeat surgery.
| | Recovery: | Back to work or school: 5 to 7 days. Vigorousous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months.
| Duration of
Results: | Usually permanent. |
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. A blood clot on the ear may develop in an insignificant proportion of patiens. It may dissolve naturally or can be pulled out with a needle. At times, an infection in the cartilage is developed in patiens, which can cause a forming of scar tissue. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; seldom, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
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