Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is primarily performed to reposition prominent ears to a position closer to the head. This corrective surgery is extremely popular among adults and children alike. In children it can be performed from the age of five, since at this age the ears have reached the full growth.
When the patient is a child, it is suggested to use general anesthesia so that the procedure is not traumatic and painful. This is different for adult patients, as local anesthesia combined with sedation can be used to ensure that the patient is awake and pain-free but relaxed during surgery.
Surgery is performed through an incision in the back of the ear to expose it, skin is removed, and cartilage is modified and bent, or removed closer to the head, and permanent sutures are used to maintain the desired new position. A slight scar will usually remain on the back of the ear. The duration of the procedure is approximately two hours.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for otoplasty are those individuals with large or prominent ears, enlarged lobes, fallen ears (with the tips that fold down and protrude forward), cauliflower ears, different ears from each other, and other problems that affect the appearance of the ears.
Children over the age of five and most healthy adults may be eligible for otoplasty; however, there are some necessary requirements for the for surgical intervention to be approved.