Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. The surgery is often done on children after ears are fully grown at about age four. The procedure may also be done on adults. Otoplasty is also effective for rebuilding or repairing deformities and damages to the ear.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon may sculpt or remove small amounts of cartilage to reshape the ear and then use stitches to position the ear closer to the head. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery although it may be preferable for a child to stay overnight at the hospital for observation. Your head will be wrapped to promote healing of the ears in the desired position. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. After a few days you will be able to wear a lighter bandage. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after about seven if they’re careful about playground activity.
You are likely to be very pleased with the improvement that results from your ear surgery in Evansville. However, normal ears are not perfectly symmetrical, and your ears may not be after your surgery, either.