Procedure: Set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) (Occasionally covered by insurance)
Length: 2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia: Young children: usually general. Older children or adults: general or local, with sedation.
In/outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side effects: Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness.
Risks: Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial-looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery.
Recovery: Back to work or school: five to seven days. Strenuous activity, contact sports: one to two months.
Duration of Results: Usually permanent.

Photos

Preoperative appearance ear surgery photo Preoperative appearance
Intraoperative appearance ear surgery photo Intraoperative appearance
Postoperative appearance ear surgery photoPostoperative appearance

Actual patient photographs available at time of consult.