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Ear Surgery continued... The earliest recommended age for otoplasty is four to five years when the ears have attained approximately 85% of their anticipated growth and form. An outpatient approach is suitable for otoplasty which can be carried out under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. This procedure usually takes from one to two hours to perform, depending upon its extent. Most cosmetic ear surgery incisions are made behind the ear. Cosmetic ear surgery produces moderate discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. The degree of improvement depends upon the extent of the corrective work undertaken and the basic structure of your cartilage and skin. Obviously protruding ears will show dramatic results following surgery. On the other hand, correction of a slight irregularity may offer more subtle results. Following cosmetic ear surgery, you will be asked to keep your head elevated and a compressive dressing is applied to the ears for one week. Much of the swelling and discoloration will have disappeared by that time but the duration of these factors varies. Thereafter, an elastic headband is worn during sleep for a period of three weeks to secure and protect the cartilages in their new position. The early results of this surgery are evident in one to three weeks and are usually quite gratifying. Mild asymmetry is not uncommon. |
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