Otoplasty

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear(s). A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury. Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face.

Goals Of Otoplasty

Candidates For Otoplasty

What to Expect at your Consultation

Drs. Perrotta and Luppens will devote as much time as necessary to discuss your individual goals and needs with you. After a focused physical examination, your surgeon will provide preliminary recommendations and explain what you can expect from surgery.

Once your surgeon determines his surgical plan, our aesthetic coordinator will produce a written quote, which lists all costs of your proposed surgery so that there are no surprises. At that time, an appointment is set for your pre-op visit.

Pre-Op Visit

Much is covered during your pre-op visit. First, one of our highly trained medical assistants will take pre-op photos. Next, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique to you and thoroughly inform you as to what you can expect, including any potential complications. Note that all procedures involve some risk, but major complications are rare. Dr. Perrotta or Dr. Luppens will then obtain a more complete medical history from you and perform a final pre-op physical examination, including a check of your vital functions to ensure that you are physically fit for surgery. All informed consents for surgery will be filled out at this appointment and final payments are due at this time. You will be notified 24 hours prior to your surgery with your arrival time.

The Otoplasty 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/school in 7-10 days. Swelling and bruising subside over 2-3 weeks.

FAQ’s

Who is a good candidate?

Otoplasty suits men and women who are self-conscious about their ears due to their size, shape, or protrusion. It’s also appropriate for individuals with congenital disabilities or ear deformities resulting from injury.

When will I see the results?

Results from otoplasty are immediate, though the final appearance will be more evident once the swelling and bruising subside, typically within 2-3 weeks.

How long do the results last?

The results of otoplasty are generally permanent. Once the ears are reshaped or repositioned, they should maintain their new form indefinitely.

What should I do before and after?

Before the surgery, patients should follow their surgeon’s guidelines regarding medications, fasting, and preparation. After the procedure, wearing any prescribed head wraps, managing swelling with ice packs, and keeping the head elevated, especially during sleep, is essential to ensure optimal healing.

Is there any downtime or side effects?

Patients usually experience some discomfort, which can be managed with oral pain medication. Most can return to work or school within 7-10 days. Some swelling and bruising are normal and should resolve within a few weeks.

What can I expect?

During the consultation, Drs. Perrotta and Luppens will discuss your aesthetic goals and examine your ears to determine the best surgical approach. The procedure typically lasts 1-2 hours and is done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, especially for children. Techniques may involve pinning the ears back or reshaping the cartilage. Postoperative care includes wearing a head wrap, taking antibiotics, and attending follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove any stitches or drains.

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