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Plastic surgery techniques can easily correct prominent ears or deformities of the outer ear’s cartilage. At Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery we can work with you, or with your child, to ease the process of corrective ear surgery to create the results you want.

What is otoplasty?
Who should have ear surgery?
How is ear surgery done?
What results can you expect with ear surgery?
How can you prepare for your ear surgery?
What can you expect when you are healing?
How long will results last?
What are the possible limitations and risks?
Are there other procedures that can be done along with ear surgery?
Will insurance pay for the procedure?
Next steps …

WHAT IS OTOPLASTY?
Plastic surgery for ears is usually done either to bring prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. A variety of ear deformities may such as repair from injury, correcting or rebuilding deformities or tightening stretched ear lobes also may require ear plastic surgery

WHO SHOULD HAVE EAR SURGERY?
Generally, this operation is done on children between the ages of 4-14. After age 5, ears are usually fully-grown. The earlier parents can arrange for surgery, the more likely their child will avoid the teasing that often happens with big or protruding ears.

Adults also may have plastic surgery on their ears, generally for uncorrected problems from childhood.

HOW IS EAR SURGERY DONE?
Ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Younger children usually receive general anesthesia so they can sleep throughout the procedure. Older children and adults may get local anesthesia, combined with a sedative. This approach allows the patient to be awake but relaxed.

An otoplasty on both ears normally takes about 2-3 hours to complete. One of the most common techniques used by Dr. Sinno is to put a small incision in the back of the ear, exposing the cartilage there (as shown to the right). He then molds that tissue so it pulls the ear back toward the head. Non-removable internal stitches may be used to help hold the new shape of the ear. Sometimes, Dr. Sinno may reshape larger pieces of cartilage to give the ear a more natural look when the ear heals after surgery.

WHAT RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT WITH EAR SURGERY?
This procedure will correct the protrusion of the ears so they no longer stick out noticeably. In the case of large ears, the plastic surgery will reduce the size of the ears so they are more normal looking. Abnormalities in the shape and folds of the ear cartilage can be corrected.

Keep in mind, the goal of the surgery is to improve the shape or position of the ears, but not make things absolutely perfect. In fact, you should not expect ears to be perfectly symmetrical either since exact symmetry is unlikely and unnatural for anyone. Most people are very pleased with the results of plastic surgery to correct ear appearance.

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PREPARING FOR EAR SURGERY
At Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery, we recommend parents wait until a child seems to be sensitive about the appearance of their ears before seeking surgery. We have found that children who are uncomfortable about their ear appearance are more likely to be cooperative during the surgery and recuperative process.

Once you set a surgery date, Dr. Sinno and his staff will review all necessary preparations you will need to make.

Remember, one of the best ways to prepare for any surgery is to make healthy lifestyle choices in the weeks beforehand. Exercise regularly. Get adequate sleep. Eat right. Take vitamin supplements. Reduce stress. If you prepare your body for surgery, your “back-to-normal time” is often reduced.

Pain and swelling
Ears may throb or ache for a few days after the surgery. Pain is relatively mild and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medicine. Ears may appear swollen for a few days after the surgery, and you will notice this when the first set of dressings are removed.

Dressings and sutures
Immediately after surgery, a bulky dressing will be wrapped around the head for a few days. This helps enhance molding and healing of the ears. After that, a soft headband-style is worn at night for several weeks.

The stitches (sutures) are usually removed in about a week, or they may dissolve on their own.

Resuming normal activity
Both children and adults can expect to be up and around within just a few hours after the surgery.

Any activities where the ear might be bent should be avoided for 4-5 weeks after the surgery.

Children can return to school after a week or so, but they still need to be careful with playground and physical education activities. Adults can plan to go back to work after 2-5 days.

Diet and Nutrition
Good diet and nutrition will help your body heal better, and faster, after a surgical procedure.

Drink plenty of water or clear fluids; up to 64 ounces a day is recommended
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal
Eat small amounts of protein with every meal
Eat every 4-5 hours; do not wait longer to eat
Eat more frequent meals, with fewer calories per meal
Eat breakfast within an hour after you get up
Use vitamin supplements, especially antioxidants, to promote healing and renew energy

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE LIMITATIONS AND RISKS?
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Certain individuals may not be good candidates for specific procedures. The specific risks and the suitability of this ear surgery can only be determined during your consultation with Dr. Sinno prior to performing the procedure.

Scars
Ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear. This scar fades over time.

Infection
Sometimes the cartilage develops an infection. This is easily treated with antibiotics.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Coverage for an otoplasty may depend on the need for it. Check with your plan administrator to determine whether your insurance will cover this type of plastic surgery. You are responsible for full payment of any expenses or fees unpaid by insurance.

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NEXT STEPS . . .
Please contact the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation to discuss ear surgery for you, or for your child. At that time, Dr. Sinno will do a comprehensive exam and provide you with the details you need to help you make your decision.