About Your Ear or Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

Indications
Besides protruding ears there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: “lop ear”, when the tip seems to fold down and forward; “cupped ear”, which is usually a very small ear; and “shell ear”, where the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or for those who lost them through injury.

Procedure
Otoplasty surgery is generally performed under neuroleptic or general anesthesia. At your consultation the surgeon will discuss possible alternatives, the techniques for eventual surgery, the contemplated results, scaring, post-operative recovery and risks of complications. A complete medical history and laboratory tests may be required.

After Surgery
Some discomfort, swelling and bruising are normal. For the first few days, your activity will be reduced, however in only a few weeks you can normally resume bending, lifting and exercising. There is little or no visible scarring. Please consult your surgeon for specific post-operative instructions.

Important Notes:

Your surgery will take between one to two hours.
Expect a recovery period of approximately seven days.
Please arrange to have someone pick you up from our surgical centre following surgery.

For more information:
Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons

The information provided is intended for general purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.