Otoplasty

 Am I a good candidate for ear tuck surgery (otoplasty)?

An ear reaches it full adult size around the age of 4 or 5. Surgery for children can be done before their school years. The earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. The surgery is also frequently done for teenagers and adults.

What is the surgery?

Otoplasty is done to set prominent ears back closer to the head, making ears less noticeable. It is not major surgery, but it does require an certain amount of artistry on the part of the surgeon. Feneral anesthesia is usual.

What does this surgery not do?

This surgery does not make the ear physically smaller, only less prominent.  The vertical height of prominent ears is invariably quite normal at about 5 cm.

What can I expect afterwards?

Pain is very minimal, even in children. Pain medication is neede for 1-3 days. There is a small amount of swelling and bruising, but it is not very apparent. There is a head wrap around the ears for one day. There are no dressings after that. Return to work or school is in 2-3 days. Full activities are resumed after 6 weeks.

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