Ear surgery or Otoplasty is usually done to set protruding ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Unlike many other elective cosmetic surgeries, this procedure is often done on children as young as five or six as well as adults. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is extremely pliable, permitting greater ease of shaping, and secondly, most children will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.

Adults often choose the surgery in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. Ears can not only be "pinned-back" but can also be reshaped, made smaller, or made more symmetrical. As with other facial surgeries, ear surgery can have a dramatic effect on appearance, especially with children, which may enhance self confidence and self esteem.

Ear surgery usually takes between one to two hours and is done on an outpatient basis, under sedation analgesia or, in rare instances, general anesthesia. Ears may ache or hurt after the surgery which can be handled with medication prescribed by the doctor and should subside in a couple of days. The patient’s head is usually wrapped in a large bandage immediately following the surgery to promote the best molding and healing. It is then reduced to a ‘headband’ type bandage for a few more days. Generally patients feel and look good enough to return to school or work in two weeks.

Patients are required to have someone drive them home from the procedure and it is recommended that someone be around the first 24 hours for assistance. Plan limited activity for the first few days. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to obtain the greatest benefit from your surgery. Expect to see your best results in about two to three weeks.

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