Ear Surgery | Otoplasty | Auburn, AL
Protruding or disfigured ears can cause emotional distress for you or your children. Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can correct prominent ears resulting from birth or trauma. A variety of ear deformities exist including prominent ears, cup ear deformity, lop ear, constricted ear, cryptotia and Stahl ear.
What does a normal ear look like?
- The ear should be approximately half as wide as it is tall.
- There should be a defined antihelical fold.
- The top of the ear should be closer to the head than the bottom (lobule).
- The concha should not be too wide or prominent.
What does ear surgery address?
- Protruding or prominent ears
- Malformed ears
- Disfigured ears from trauma or cancer
When is the best time to perform otoplasty?
- Generally age 5-6 is a good time because the ear is almost completely grown.
- Prior to school age.
Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?
- Someone with ears that are out of proportion with their face
- Someone with ears that stick out away from their head
- Someone with ears that are flat and lack the natural folds
- Someone with constricted or malformed ears
- Non-smoker
- A healthy individual
- Realistic goals and expectations
What can I expect from a consultation?
At East Alabama Plastic Surgery we believe you should be well informed about any procedure you are considering. The surgeon will present the different options for ear surgery and discuss the pros and cons of each decision. There are many decisions to be made and we want to involve you in every step of the process.
What to expect the day of surgery?
Most surgeries can be safely performed at East Alabama Ambulatory Surgery Center as an out patient procedure. Some surgeries can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will make some marks on you in the preoperative holding area and confirm the surgery details with you. The surgery can vary from one and a half to two hours. The dressing will consist of a large fluffy type dressing that will be removed in 4-5 days. After the dressing is removed, a loose fitting headband will be worn for 2-4 weeks all the time and 6-8 weeks at night for protection.
What is the typical recovery time?
You will see immediate improvement in the shape of your ears. Mild bruising and edema will be present for up to two weeks. We ask that you to sleep with your head elevated for the first two weeks. Sutures are removed in five days. Most people can return to work or school within a two to three days. Full strenuous activity can be resumed at four weeks.
