Otoplasty

Otoplasty

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I have protruding ears, is there any fix to the problem? 

Protruding ears is a common problem and affects up to 5% of the population to some degree.  The over exaggeration of ear protrusion may be slight and is not always bothersome to everyone. However, if you are bothered by your protruding ears, there are a variety of techniques that can be utilized to correct the problem.  All techniques, for the most part, require surgery which is called an otoplasty.

 

What is the youngest age that you can get your protruding ears corrected?

Age 5 to 6.  This is the age when our ears have grown to 90% of their adult size and when it is safe to operate on the ears.

 

Can this be done in the office? 

For adults, this could be done in the office as long as the person can tolerate the local anesthesia medication.  However, most kids will need to be done in the operating room under general anesthesia as most children will not tolerate the numbing medication when awake.

 

What are the incisions for an otoplasty (surgery for protruding ear)? 

The typical incision is in the crease behind the ear.   Usually this incision heals extremely well and is difficult to spot after the surgery.

 

What kind of pain can I expect? 

The tissue covering the cartilage of the ear is extremely sensitive and therefore you can expect some mild soreness of the ear for about a week.  However, occasionally there can be some lingering soreness for a few weeks.

 

Do I have any restrictions after surgery? 

Since the cartilage is being reshaped with the use of sutures, it is imperative that you limit your activity for the first 3 weeks after surgery.  Light activity, such as walking, is fine right after surgery.  After three weeks, your surgeon will let you know when to return to full activity.