Ears
Protruding ears are a source of embarrassment for many people, especially children. The procedure to reposition protruding ears closer to the head is known as otoplasty. Because ears are near their adult size in a 5-year-old child, otoplasty can be performed at any time at or after age 5.
An incision on the back of the ear exposes the ear cartilage, which is then reshaped and sutured to properly shape the ear and position it closer to the head. An immediate and gratifying correction is achieved. Asymmetric ears can also be brought into symmetry with this technique.
Prominent protruding ears can look unnatural. By three to four years of age children begin to recognize the difference in their ears from that of their peers. However it is not until six to ten years of age that caustic remarks begin to leave psychological scars. Adults with prominent ears may be sensitive about their appearance and exhibit a poor self-image. Outstanding ears (promin auris) affect approximately 5% percent of Caucasian children. Usually children are born with prominent ears and often it is inherited. Through a minor procedure the ears can be set back to a natural position. There is very little discomfort and children can resume a fairly normal schedule within a week. It is best to undergo the procedure around five-six years of age or older. At this age the ear has achieved at least 90% of it adult size and children seem to be more compliant with the treatment. Most importantly, the intervention is early enough to prevent the damaging effects of cruel psychosocial remarks. Incision lines are hidden behind the ears. Adults undergoing this procedure can usually return to work in a couple of days. The benefits of this operation with minimal down time makes it a very rewarding and satisfying surgery.
The best candidates for otoplasty are physically healthy individuals who have realistic expectations and are interested in reducing the size of large ears or setting prominent ears back closer to the head. The procedure is most often performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen but can be performed on older patients. Ear surgery typically takes between two and three hours to complete and is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. After ear surgery, some throbbing, aching and numbness can occur which may be controlled with prescription pain medication.
Swelling and redness are also common. Stitches typically dissolve or are removed within a week. Patients are usually able to return to work or school within five to seven days after the procedure, though more strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for one to two months. As with all types of surgery there are potential complications that may occur with otoplasty and these can include the following: blood clots, excessive scarring, infection, mismatched or artificial appearance of the ears, the need for additional surgery.
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