Surgery of the Ear

Ear surgery usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. With one of the more common techniques the surgeon 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 may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon 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.

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. The patients 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

In a few days the bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Stitches are usually removed or will dissolve in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month. 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're careful about playground activity.

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