What is Otoplasty:                                                                                                                       Otoplasty is commonly referred to as “pinning the ears back”. It is a procedure which is done to set prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

For the most part, the otoplasty surgery is done on children between the ages of  5 and 14. However it is not uncommon for adults to also undergo otoplasty surgery. It is a myth that our ears grow throughout our lifetime; they are actually almost fully developed by the age of 6-7 years and certainly completely formed by young adulthood. Children with protruding ears may experience teasing and ridicule from other children as well as adults. In order to avoid psychological repercussions, parents often opt to have the procedure performed before the child enters first or second grade.

The Consultation:
Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; don't 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, your surgeon will evaluate the condition and recommend the most effective technique. Dr. Sullivan will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

Where is the surgery performed?                                                                                            
The location depends on the age and maturity of the individual patient. Ear surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure either here at The Sullivan Centre or at an outside location. For children under 11 years of age, Dr. Sullivan may recommend general anesthesia so the child will sleep through the operation, which will require anesthesiologists and a facility which specialize in children.  For older children or adults who can tolerate local anesthesia, Dr. Sullivan may prefer to perform the procedure at The Sullivan Centre. Upon consultation, Dr. Sullivan will discuss your surgery center options with you.

How is otoplasty performed?                                                                                                    
The technique will depend on the severity of the problem. Commonly, Dr. Sullivan makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will then sculpt the cartilage and use permanent sutures to create and maintain a natural looking shape.

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.

What is the recovery from Otoplasty?                                                                                      
A light head dressing is placed 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 Tylenol or a mild pain medication.  The head dressing is removed 1-2 days after the procedure at which point the hair can be washed.

An elastic headband should be worn for the next 10 days to remind the ears to heal in the proper location. The skin sutures are dissolvable and usually gone by the second 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 two days after surgery. Children can go back to school after three to four days, 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.

The Results:                                                                                                                               Patients are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly. Perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are, you'll be quite pleased with the result.

 How do I choose my surgeon?
No matter what type of cosmetic surgery you are considering, one of the most important factors in your satisfaction is the surgeon you choose. Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This ensures that your surgeon is specialized in facial procedures. Make sure your procedure is done in an accredited facility. Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure in question. The more you know about your surgeon and the procedure the more likely you will have a successful outcome.

What is the next step?
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of otoplasty, call The Sullivan Centre, central Ohio's only free standing ambulatory surgical facility dedicated to cosmetic surgery at (614) 436-8888.