Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to
reduce the size of large ears.
For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are
almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child
will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional
risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
If you are considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure; when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can
expect. It cannot answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual
circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don't understand
about the procedure.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, board certified surgeon, complications are
infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated
with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or
can be drawn out with a needle.
Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form.
Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the
infected area.
PLANNING FOR SURGERY
Dr. Baroody recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; do
not insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable
about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and
happier with the outcome.
In the initial meeting, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your child's condition, or yours if you are
considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He will also give
you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
WHERE THE SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in Dr. Baroody's office-based
surgical facility or a freestanding surgery center.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
If your child is young, Dr. Baroody may recommend general anesthesia, so the child will sleep
through the operation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local
anesthesia, combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed.
THE SURGERY
Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take
longer. The technique will depend on the problem.
Dr. Baroody makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will
then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches will be used
to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, Dr. Baroody will remove a larger piece of cartilage
to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches
are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.
Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a
better balance.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery.
The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote
the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be
relieved by medication.
Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a headband. Be sure to follow Dr.
Baroody's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.
Stitches are usually removed in about a week.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can
go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days
or so, if they are careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to
keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.
OTHER EAR PROBLEMS
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," when 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.
MORE NATURAL-LOOKING EARS
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind,
the goal is improvement, not perfection. Do not expect both ears to match perfectly; perfect
symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you have discussed the procedure and your
expectations with Dr. Baroody before the operation, chances are, you will be quite pleased with
the result.
reduce the size of large ears.
For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are
almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child
will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional
risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
If you are considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic
understanding of the procedure; when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can
expect. It cannot answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual
circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don't understand
about the procedure.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, board certified surgeon, complications are
infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated
with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or
can be drawn out with a needle.
Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form.
Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the
infected area.
PLANNING FOR SURGERY
Dr. Baroody recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; do
not insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable
about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and
happier with the outcome.
In the initial meeting, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your child's condition, or yours if you are
considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He will also give
you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
WHERE THE SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in Dr. Baroody's office-based
surgical facility or a freestanding surgery center.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
If your child is young, Dr. Baroody may recommend general anesthesia, so the child will sleep
through the operation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local
anesthesia, combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed.
THE SURGERY
Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take
longer. The technique will depend on the problem.
Dr. Baroody makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will
then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches will be used
to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, Dr. Baroody will remove a larger piece of cartilage
to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches
are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.
Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a
better balance.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery.
The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote
the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be
relieved by medication.
Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a headband. Be sure to follow Dr.
Baroody's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.
Stitches are usually removed in about a week.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can
go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days
or so, if they are careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to
keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.
OTHER EAR PROBLEMS
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," when 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.
MORE NATURAL-LOOKING EARS
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind,
the goal is improvement, not perfection. Do not expect both ears to match perfectly; perfect
symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you have discussed the procedure and your
expectations with Dr. Baroody before the operation, chances are, you will be quite pleased with
the result.
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| EAR SURGERY CONSENT, INSTRUCTIONS |
| DOWNLOADS |
| Before & After Photos |
| 10 South Street . Suite 204 . Ridgefield, CT 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 203.790.5700 |
| Plastic surgeon Michael Baroody, MD offers a variety of plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Baroody's practice is located in Danbury, and Ridgfefield, CT and serves both Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. The doctor specializes in forehead lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, neck liposculpture, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and others as well as a variety of reconstructive procedures. Examine the website and learn more about Dr. Baroody and the various services provided. Financing options available. 10 South Street . #204 . Ridgefield, CT 06877 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 06810 . Phone: (203) 790-5700 |