Ear Surgery

Ear surgery can correct the appearance of ears that protrude or are too large for a person’s head. Prominent ears and conditions such as “lop ears” or “cupped ears” trouble many adults, but they can also be upsetting to children who can be hurt by teasing from schoolmates. Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can correct or improve a variety of defects. It can have a deep affect on the overall appearance of a person as well as their emotional health. Children as young as six years old can undergo otoplasty because the ears are fully grown. Performance of the procedure at an early age can help to prevent unnecessary distress as the patient gets older. It is also preferred because the cartilage is more flexible, making it easier to work with. Children who are healthy, have cartilage that is fully developed, and are able to cooperate and follow post-operative instructions are able to have ear surgery. Just as each patient is different, each < otoplasty is different too. Surgery will typically range from 2 to 3 hours depending on the extent of work on the ears that need to be done. Local anesthesia with IV sedation may be used, but general anesthesia is typically administered with young children. To correct protruding ears, incisions are generally made on the back surface of the ear. If they are needed on the front of the ear they may be made within the natural folds to conceal them. Protrusion may be corrected by creating or increasing the fold of the rim of the ear. Conchal cartilage may also be reduced. Non-removable stitches are used to shape the ear and hold it securely in place. Stitches are also used to close the incisions. Dressings will be applied to the ears and should remain for a few days. Discomfort of the ears or itching under the bandages is normal, but they should not be taken off early. For patients who sleep on their side, rest may be difficult for the first week when pressure cannot be put on the ears. A headband may be recommended to wear over the ears and hold them in the new position for a specified length of time, generally 2 weeks. Situations which could cause trauma to the ear will need to be avoided for a month.

Your Ear Surgery for Women will be performed in Dr. Robert Kessler's surgery center located in Corona Del Mar.

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

• 01 What is an Otoplasty?
  Otoplasty, also known as Ear Surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the ears, and adjust their protrusion from the head.
• 02 How is an Ear Surgery performed?
  To begin the Otoplasty, Dr. Kessler will make a small incision immediately behind the ear, or if needed, along the frontal crease of the ear. From here, the cartilage structure will be reshaped and repositioned, then the incisions sutured closed.
• 03 Who is a good candidate for an Otoplasty?
  Men and women in good health, as well as children over the age of five, who are dealing with misshapen ears can make excellent Otoplasty candidates.
• 04 Where is the Ear Surgery performed?
  Dr. Kessler performs surgery at a nearby accredited outpatient Surgery Center.
• 05 What type of anesthesia is used during an Otoplasty?
  A surgical ear correction will be performed with either local or general anesthesia.
• 06 Where are the incisions made from Ear Surgery?
  Depending on the individual patient’s needs, the incisions for an Otoplasty will be made in the back of the ear anad if necessary along the front crease of the ear.
• 07 How long does an Ear Surgery procedure take?
  An Otoplasty will take between one and two hours to complete.
• 08 What can I expect from the Otoplasty recovery period?
  Patients should expect one to two weeks of recovery time, after an Otoplasty. Initially there may be some aching or throbbing in the ears, this should fade over the first few days. Dr. Kessler will prescribe appropriate pain medications to keep patients comfortable during their recovery. Swelling and bruising may occur, as well a temporary numbness in the ears.
• 09 When can I return to work after an Otoplasty?
  Patients will generally feel well enough to return to work or school two to five days after a surgical ear correction.
• 10 Will there be scarring after my Ear Surgery?
  While the Otoplasty does leave small scars, they are well concealed in the natural crease behind or in front of the ear.
• 11 What are the risks of Ear Surgery?
  An Otoplasty is considered extremely safe. As Ear Surgery is an invasive procedure, there is the rare chance for complications, including excessive bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing.
• 12 Can I finance my Otoplasty procedure?
  Yes, patients have the option to pay with cash, major credit cards, or healthcare financing through CareCredit. An application can be completed online for a quick response.

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