Otoplasty, or surgery to correct protruding ears, can
be performed at almost
any age though the surgery is most often performed on children at age five or
six when the ear has reached full development. Adult ear surgery is also
possible. Generally, there are no additional risks associated with ear surgery
on an adult.
Otoplasty is especially helpful to eliminate psychological trauma when ears
are corrected before the child starts school.
By reshaping the cartilage, the ears are placed closer to the head through
incisions placed behind the ears so scars are well hidden.
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
One of the more common methods involves making a small incision in the
back of the ear, then sculpting the exposed cartilage and positioning it back
toward the head. Occasionally, a larger piece of cartilage will be removed to
provide a more natural-looking fold.
If a child is young, general anesthesia may be used so the child will sleep
through the surgery. For older patients, local anesthesia combined with a
sedative will be used.
A gauze bandage is worn for about a week after surgery so the ears will heal
in their new, flat, position. Stitches are usually removed in about a week.
Otoplasty usually leaves a faint scar behind the ear that will fade in time.
Most adults will be able to return to work after about five days; children can
go back to school after about a week.
Click here for more information on Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
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Plastic Surgery Specialists Inc.
Boston
Plastic Surgery
332 Washington St., Suite 215
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781-431-7340; Fax: 781-431-7342
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