Why ear surgery?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.
We offer a variety of ear surgery procedures to:
- Reduce large ears and earlobes
- Improve protruding ears
- Correct ear structure defects or injuries
- Repair gauged lobes
- Remove keloids
- Improve fullness through fat grafting
We offer ear surgery for children and adults.
Is it right for you?
As with any surgery, you should have realistic expectations. We will help you understand those at your consultation appointment.
Ideal candidates include:
- Healthy children, generally 5 and older, with stable ear cartilage
- Healthy adults with a positive outlook and realistic goals about improvements
Preparing for your consultation
The success and safety of your procedure depends on your complete candidness during your consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss:
- Why you want surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
- Your health status, including any previous surgeries
- Your family health history
- Your risk factors
- Potential complications of surgery
Make sure you bring a list of your own questions and concerns. Please feel free to bring a supportive friend to help you listen or take notes. Become well-informed before you make a final decision.
Preparing for surgery
Once you have completed your consultation and decided ear surgery is right for you, it’s time to prepare for surgery day. We might ask you to:
- Have lab tests and/or a medical evaluation
- Stop, start or adjust certain medicines and supplements
- Stop smoking
We will also give you instructions on what to do the day before and morning of surgery, and instructions for self-care after surgery. You will need to arrange for a ride home on surgery day. Also, make sure someone stays with you at least the first night following surgery.
What to expect after surgery
Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.
We will give you complete written instructions for a safe and comfortable recovery. Instructions will include:
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise
- How to care for any bandages, wraps or stitches
- Recommendations for pain medicines
- Symptoms to watch for
- How to care for your scars
- When to schedule your follow-up appointments
Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Plastic surgery financing is available.