Otoplasty

Prominent ears can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for both children and adults. The most common deformity of the ear is incomplete folding of the cartilage in a way that leads to ears that stick out too far from the head. Otoplasty is the surgical correction of this condition.

During a consultation, the pertinent ear anatomy is evaluated, and a surgical recommendation is made. A pediatric patient and an adult with insurance coverage are operated on at the hospital of his/her choice. An adult cosmetic patient can be treated at the Wetherington Plastic Surgery Center. A patient has a choice of either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

The procedure takes about two hours to perform. The incisions are placed behind the ears, and the cartilage is repaired. Some patients require either reducing the size of the ear or changing its position relative to the head. Postoperatively the patient wears a protective head bandage for a few days. Sutures are removed in a week, and normal activities can resume soon thereafter.