Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

Serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York

Misshapen ears can be a source of social uneasiness for both adults and children.

Children have demonstrated remarkable improvement in self-esteem and dramatic changes in personality when severely over projected ears are corrected.

Otoplasty is the term for the surgical correction of ear deformities. The most common abnormality of the external ear is an over projected ear; however, there are many other abnormalities of the ear including lop ears, cryptotic ears and microtia, a condition defined by a rudimentary or even nonexistent external ear altogether. When considering otoplasty, parents must be certain that they have their child’s best interest at heart. A positive attitude towards surgery is essential for all plastic surgery and is particularly crucial when the patient is a child.

Ear Correction Procedure

Otoplasty is performed in children at the age when their ears have reached near full size, which is usually around age five or six. On children, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia while adults can be done with sedation. Incisions are made in the sulcus behind the ear through which the underlying cartilage can be exposed. Some cartilage may be removed, while other parts may be modified with permanent sutures. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. Occasionally, a drain is placed through the incision. Finally, the ear and head is wrapped with a pressure dressing to prevent movement.

Recovery

Postoperatively, the pain is usually moderate and well controlled with prescription medication. The outer dressing is usually changed after the first 24 hours, at which time any drains are also removed. A new dressing is applied which is changed in another week. A moderate degree of swelling is to be expected. When the dressing is ultimately removed, the ear is still fragile, and patients are restricted from physical exertion for approximately 6 weeks. During the period they will wear a light elastic band at night for to prevent accidentally injuring the ear while sleeping. While the risks of complications are minimal and we do all in our power to minimize their occurrence, no surgery is entirely without risk. The major postoperative concern is for a blood accumulation underneath the skin which could compromise the underlying cartilage. If this should occur, it is very treatable by opening the incision and draining any retained collections.

If you want to learn more about what The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care of North Eastern New York can offer you, please take a look at our website and contact our ear correction office today to schedule a consultation.