Are your protruding ears causing you embarrassment or distress? You can get them fixed with otoplasty. Kids normally find it difficult to deal with protruding ears, as they are often teased by their peers because of them, and that’s why otoplasty can be a huge boost to their self-esteem. But what is otoplasty, and what’s involved in surgery.

What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty or ear surgery is a procedure that is done to adjust the shape, size, or position of the ear. It is typically carried out to fix ears that are misshapen or stick out at the sides. Otoplasty makes the ears appear less prominent or smaller.

Ear surgery is very common among young children and teens, but many adults that are embarrassed by their prominent ears also opt to undergo the procedure. Otoplasty can be safely performed on children as young as 5 or 6, as long as the ears are fully mature.

The Procedure
Otoplasty is done on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used for older patients. There are different techniques that can be used to perform ear surgery, but the incisions are typically made behind the ears. The surgeon is then able to access cartilage and make the necessary alterations, by removing small portions of cartilage, or putting in sutures.

There is usually some swelling and bruising after otoplasty and this can last for several days. Despite this, the results of surgery can be seen immediately. Most patients are able to return to work within 5-7 days.

Would you like to learn more about otoplasty? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the New York, NY area, Specialty Aesthetic Surgery is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.specialtyaestheticsurgery.com, or call (212) 737-8700 to set up a consultation.