WHO COULD BENEFIT?
Individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears:· men or women with one or both ears that stick out too far from the head.
· men or women with missing parts of one or both ears.
THE GOALS:
Normally shaped and symmetric ears.Greater self confidnece.
THE PROCEDURE:
For adults, we usually perform the corrective surgery in the office with local anesthesia alone. However, the patient can always opt for IV sedation or general anesthesia.Children usually require general anesthesia.
The surgery, which usually takes 1-2 hours, involves refining the shape of the ears and/or pinning them backward.
In some cases, we use fine drains which prevent blood from collecting under the skin and causing "coliflauer ear".
A head wrap is applied to protect the repair.
POST-OP RECOVERY:
The patient goes home on the day of surgery.Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication.
We ask patients to sleep with their head elevated and use ice packs for the first 48 hours.
All patients take oral antibiotics for approximately five days.
We remove the head wrap and any visible stitches and drains (if used) during the first post-op visit.
Patients return to work in 7-10 days.
Swelling and bruising subside over 2-3 weeks.
INSURANCE?
This procedure is not covered by insurance if being done for cosmetic reasons.
NOTE:
The suitability of an otoplasty for an individual is determined during the office consultation. All procedures have risks. Minor complications do occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.