CORRECTION OF PROTRUDING EARS: OTOPLASTY An otoplasty is a procedure to correct prominent ears. Some children are born with ears which protrude too far from the head because certain folds which normally appear in the ears have not developed correctly. The aim of the otoplasty is to recreate these folds and set the ears back at a proper angle. Prominent ears can be emotionally traumatizing to children. Oftentimes, they are teased by their peers and they become very self-conscious about their appearance. It is recommended that the surgery be done before the child enters school, but the operation can be done at any time throughout life. THE SURGERY: The surgery is done on an outpatient basis. A small incision is made in the crease behind the ear. Special surgical sutures are used to help recreate the folds that are naturally apparent in the ear. The ear is then set back to a natural appearing position. The incision behind the ear is closed with absorbing sutures, and a large helmet-type dressing is applied which is removed the next day. RECOVERY: The patient wears a ski headband around-the-clock the first week following surgery, and only at night the second week to help keep the ears in proper position and to protect the patient while sleeping. By the end of the second week, healing is fairly well under way, and the risk of injury or damage to the ear is minimal. There is very little pain or discomfort after otoplasty, but there is a feeling of tightness for a few days. The patient is usually seen a week or so following surgery for a check-up. A few days following surgery, a fairly normal schedule can be resumed. |
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