Purpose: To reduce the size of large prominent ears and set them closer to the head.
Length of Procedure: 2 - 3 hours.
Anesthesia: General and/or local anesthesia with I.V. sedation.
Where: Outpatient surgery, or overnight stay.
Recovery: Swelling, bruising and numbness.
Back to School, Work: 5 - 10 days.
Full activities: 1-2 months.
Risks: Bleeding, infection, scarring and uneven or mismatched ears.
Ear Surgery
Large, protruding ears can be corrected through a procedure called otoplasty. Most operations are performed on children between the ages of four and 14, though it is not uncommon for adults to have this surgery. Ears are almost fully grown by age four. For school age children, large, protruding ears can be an embarrassment and the source of much teasing and ridicule from classmates.
This is why it is better to have the surgery earlier than later. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient. Otoplasty is performed under local sedation in the doctor's office. The procedure, which takes roughly 2-3 hours, requires the surgeon to remove skin and cartilage from the back of the ear. Sutures are placed behind the ear and over the repaired cartilage. Scars are usually well hidden. Patients are usually back to school or work in a week.
Dr. Man's office is located directly across from Boca Raton Community Hospital at 851 Meadows Road, Suite 222, Boca Raton, Florida 33486, phone number 1-800-232-5508.
