What’s ear surgery?
Medically referred to as otoplasty, ear surgery is generally performed for cosmetic reasons on patients of most ages, from five or six years of age and up.
The purpose of cosmetic ear surgery is often to bring ears closer toward the head, to reduce the overall size of big ears, and to reshape the bends and folds of the cartilage to completely reform the ears’ shapes.
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed in a surgeon’s office or the outpatient office of a large medical facility. In some cases, the patient will have to stay overnight at the hospital, otherwise known as an inpatient procedure. But otoplasty as an outpatient procedure is really the norm.
At the consultation with a potential surgeon, the patient may be asked to point in a mirror at the location he or she wants to address.
First anesthesia is given to the patient. Depending on the kind of otoplasty and how much work it will involve, anesthesia will differ. Either it will be local anesthesia, which means the patient will be awake for the surgery, but unable to feel it. Or it will be general anesthesia, which means the patient is sedated so he is either not fully aware or even unconscious for the surgery.
Otoplasty can take anywhere from one to five hours, though the average ear surgery takes two hours.
Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of the most common ear surgery procedure:
The surgeon makes an incision along the back of the ear. Then the surgeon removes the skin in order to get a good look at the cartilage. The surgeon refolds the cartilage according to the patient’s desired configurations. For example, the surgeon may reshape the ear so that it sits closer to the head, reducing the amount that it protrudes – or sticks – out, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
Then stitches close off the wound. A bulky bandage covers the site for a few days. After the bulky bandage comes off, patients usually wear a soft bandage dressing for a few weeks to promote safe, healthy healing. Any tenderness or discomfort from the procedure can be treated with medication the surgeon will provide or prescribe, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
The scars from these surgeries are generally light, and besides, they’re located behind the ears. Even if they were heavier, they wouldn’t be that visible.
Who’s it for?
Do you or your kids have protruding or drooping ears, torn earlobes, really large ears, or asymmetrical ears?
Some people think these kinds of physical attributes are deformities that will make their kids targets for bullies on the playground. So one reason parents will have their kids undergo otoplasty, for example, is to help boost their self-confidence in the future.
Then again, other parents don’t believe a cosmetic surgery can boost self-confidence. They believe people – or their children – have the capacity to feel good about themselves even with slightly funny-looking ears.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Thousands of ear surgeries are performed successfully every year. And, otoplasty does not alter the patient’s hearing. Some argue that otoplasty has the psychological benefit of improving self-confidence.
In the case of children, the cartilage in ears is more pliable at younger ages, which makes the surgery easier to perform. But, always keep in mind the risks of any surgery. Blood clots, infection, scarring, and allergic reactions are possible.
And insurance does not often cover cosmetic surgery like otoplasty unless it is to correct a physical deformity that is inherited from family members.
The Bottom Line
Those who are unhappy with the shape or size of their ears don’t have to look far for a surgical procedure designed to get them the look they want. However, insurance might not cover the procedure unless you make the case that the problem is inherited.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
