What is ear surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty as it is also known, is a procedure which can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. The surgery can reduce the ears in size or set them back closer to the head. Ear surgery may also treat other abnormalities of the ear including lop ear, cupped ear, shell ear, large or stretched lobes, lobes with large creases and wrinkles, and missing ears.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?
Candidates for ear surgery include individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Surgery may be performed on young patients as early as age four and it is often recommended that it be performed early on to help spare children the teasing that may be associated with large or protruding ears. It's also important that ear surgery candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations.

At what age can ear surgery be performed?
Ear surgery may be performed once the ears are nearly fully grown, which can be as early as age four.

What occurs during a consultation for ear surgery?
During the consultation for ear surgery, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your ears or your child's ears, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the ear surgery procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered.

Where is ear surgery performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota may perform ear surgery in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.

What form of anesthesia is ear surgery performed with?
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota often prefer general anesthesia for younger children undergoing ear surgery. Local anesthesia and sedation may be used for older children and adults.

How is ear surgery performed?
Ear surgery begins by making incisions, which typically involves one small one made on the back of each ear. The surgery itself will vary depending on the particular problem. The cartilage may be sculpted and then bent back toward the head, with non-removable stitches used to help maintain the new shape. If necessary, a more natural-looking fold may be created by removing a larger piece of cartilage. In other cases, skin may be removed and then the ear may be reshaped using stitches to fold the cartilage onto itself.

How long is the surgical time for ear surgery?
Ear surgery takes an average of two to three hours to perform.

Where are the incisions made for ear surgery?
Ear surgery usually involves small incisions made on the back of the ear.

Are there scars after ear surgery?
The incisions made for ear surgery will result in scars, though they are small and well-concealed behind the ears.

How much pain is associated with ear surgery?
There usually isn't any significant discomfort associated with ear surgery. However, medication can be prescribed to help manage any discomfort that does occur.

What sort of recovery is there after ear surgery?
After ear surgery, bandages may be applied to the ears which will be removed after a few days. A lighter head dressing will replace the bandages. Drainage tubes, if used, are typically removed after a day or two. Patients can expect some amount of swelling and bruising which can be minimized by elevating the head during the first few days after surgery. Some patients also experience some temporary numbness of the skin.

How soon after ear surgery can patients return to their work?
Most patients are able to return to work or school within about five to seven days after undergoing ear surgery.