Ear surgery (otoplasty) is a procedure performed to reshape the ear and give it a more normal appearance. The surgery usually is done on ears that are too large or that protrude from the head. Many times, the problem is caused by an undeveloped middle fold of the ear. In addition to the lack of a fold, there may be other deformities. For this reason, it may be necessary to perform several procedures on the ear at the same time. In most cases, patients need surgery on both ears so that they will be similar. Rarely, only one ear may require surgery.
Otoplasty is done under general anesthesia in children, while adults may have the procedure under either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Otoplasty can be performed in the outpatient facility, and the patient can return home the day of surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear and weakens the cartilage, which is folded into the proper position and held with sutures. Sometimes, the surgeon will remove cartilage and skin. Rarely, the surgeon will make the incision in the front of the ear. Upon healing, scarring barely shows. Following surgery, a head dressing is applied. After removal of the dressing, the patient must wear a headband at night for a few weeks to keep from pulling out the sutures during sleep. Swelling and discoloration will subside in a few weeks.
In most cases, the results of ear surgery are very pleasing. However, the ears may not be perfectly symmetrical since even normal ears are not exactly the same. In a small number of patients, the ear may return toward the old position and require a second operation. Rarely, one of the nondissolving sutures left in the ear will work its way to the surface and have to be removed.
Once the ears have healed, they are in a more normal position that complements the patient's overall appearance.
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