Surgical Procedures & Innovations Cosmetic Procedures

Ear (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a common procedure performed to treat ears that stick out (prominent ears).

Techniques

This procedure usually involves inconspicuously placed incisions behind the ear and placement of internal sutures to bend the ear cartilage into a more natural shape. This procedure is performed quite commonly in both children and adults.

Anesthesia

Otoplasty can performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Before Surgery

• Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks.
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid in healing.

Recovery

• You may have aching or throbbing pain after surgery which can be relieved with pain medications.
• You may return to normal activity in about one week but anything that may bend the ear should be avoided for one month.
• Ear surgery leaves a scar in the back of the ear that fades with time.
• Recurrence of the ear prominence may occur in some cases.