Surgery of the ear is most commonly performed for correction of ears that appear too large, or for protruding ears. The usual problems with protruding ears are a lack of development of the middle ear fold, which needs to be completed.

Surgery of the ear is commonly performed upon children and young adults ages 4-18. By the age of 4 the ears are fully developed, and having the operation performed early avoids teasing. Surgery of the ear should never by considered by parents unless the child is also aware of the problem and wishes to have it repaired.

Other indications for ear surgery include "lop ear", when the top of the ear folds forwards; or "shell ear", when all of the natural folds and creases in the ear are missing. Surgery can also improve stretched earlobes, lobes torn by earrings, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.

Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to go home the same day. It may be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, but in the case of very young children, it is usually performed under a general anesthesia. The patient is usually instructed to wear a head dressing for two days postoperatively, then a headband to protect the ears at night. Adults are usually returning to work, and children to school, within a week. Physical activity will usually be limited for approximately one month to protect the ears.

The operation is performed by a high or middle skin incision in back of the ears. Once the incision is made, cartilage is both remolded and held in position by using sutures, or cartilage and skin may be removed depending upon the problem. Reshaping of the cartilage is performed in order to form the natural folds of the ear. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours depending upon what needs to be accomplished.

Possible complications of the ear surgery include bleeding, infection and asymmetry in the ears. Ears are not perfectly symmetrical, and slight differences may be seen. In most cases, the results of ear surgery are very pleasing.

*If you meet your insurance criteria, insurance companies may cover your procedure. You will need to see the physician for a consultation and notify your insurance for pre-authorization.