About Procedure
Before & After
Faq
« Surgical Procedures
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce
the size of large ears. A For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of 4 and
14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the
child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional
risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
If you’re reconsidering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this will give you a basic understanding
of the procedure – when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It
can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be
sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.
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 small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn
out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue
to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
|
