Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) |
Candidates: Usually children between the ages of 4 and 14 years, but also adults. Objectives: Reduce the size of large ears and place proeminent ears back closer to the head. Incisions and technique: The incisions are generally in the fold behind the ear. The cartilages are treated; the excess is removed, reestablishing the desired shape and position of the ear. Operating Time: One to two hours. Anesthesia: Children: usually general. Adults: local, with sedation. In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Recovery: Back to work or school: 5 to 7 days. Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months. Side Effects: Pain that can be treated with painkillers. Swelling, redness, numbness in the first week after surgery. Results start getting better after the second week. Risks: Infection. Blood clot (hematoma) that may need to be drained. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring second surgery. Duration of Results: Permanent. |