Ear Surgery

Procedure:

Sets prominent ears back closer to the head and/or reduces the size of large ears. This procedure is most often performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen and may be covered by insurance.

Length:

Approximately two hours.

Anesthesia:

Young children: usually general anesthesia is given. For older children or adults: a general or local anesthesia is used with sedation.

Inpatient/Outpatient:

Usually this is an outpatient procedure.

Possible Side Effects:

Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness and/or numbness.

Risks:

Infection of cartilage, excessive scarring, blood clots that may need to be drained, mismatched or artificial-looking ears, or the recurrence of the protrusion which requires repeat surgery.

Recovery:

The patient may return to school or work within five to seven days, and resume strenuous activity, such as contact sports in one to two months.

Results:

Usually permanent.