Ear surgery or otoplasty is intended to improve the look of prominent ears pushing them back closer to the head or to reduce their size.  It is usually performed between 4 and 14 years old patients but it can be done later in life, the good thing about having early surgery is that the kids with in this situation will face less teasing from other children because of that.    

Posible Complications

Risks include develop of blood clots on the ear, infection and excess of scarring in the area. 

Before Ear Surgery

The surgery should be performed when the patient (specially if is a kid) wants the change, because at this point they will be more cooperative and happier with the outcome.  Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your case and general health condition determining the best technique for you.

The Surgery

Otoplasty is done in an operating room usually in an outpatient basis unless general anesthesia is used.  The procedure usually takes from 2 to 3 hours and the technique will depend on the problem.  One of the most common techniques includes an incision in the vack of the ear to expose the cartilage and sculpt it, then to bend it back toward the head. 

Even if the problem seems to be only in one ear, the surgery is usually performed on both sides for better balance.Finally dressings will be placed around the head to promote better molding and healing.

The Results

The patient may feel pain in the surgical area for few days, any discomfort should be relieved by the medication prescribed by your surgeon.  The dressings will be replaced for a lighter one in few days but you should be sure to follow all your surgeon's instructions after the surgery to minimize risks of complications.

In about a weeks the stitches will be removed or they will dissolve if they are absorbable.  Patient can go back to normal activities in about 10 days, but anything involving "ears contact risk" (sports, playground activity, etc.) should be avoided for at least a week. 

The goal of the surgery is improvement, not perfection, and it is quite normal that a minimal asymmetry between both ears, situation that can be seen also in anyone who have never went for surgery.