This information has been assembled to familiarize you with the facts regarding otoplasty or ear surgery. You are requested to read the following information thoroughly and to discuss any questions which might arise with your surgeon before you proceed with the surgical procedure known as otoplasty.

Ear surgery (otoplasty) is a procedure performed to reshape the ear and give it a more normal appearance. The surgery is usually done on ears that re too large or protrude from the head. many times, the problem is caused by an undeveloped middle fold of the ear. In addition to the lack of a fold, there may be other deformities. For this reason, it may be necessary to perform several procedures on the ear at the same time. In most cases, patients need surgery on both ears so that they will be similar. Rarely is surgery done on only one ear.

Every year thousands of men and women achieve great success with these remarkable procedures. An improved body image can make you more comfortable with yourself and confident with others.

Surgical Procedure

The operation is performed using local anesthetics with intravenous medications or a general anesthetic to make you comfortable throughout the procedure. The anesthesiologist monitors all patients to ensure their safety and comfort.

The incisions are placed in the normal skin folds of the upper lids, and/or beneath the eyelashes of the lower lids or just inside the lower eyelid. Because incisions are placed in natural skin creases and such creases are not symmetrical from one side to the other, each patient's incisions will look significantly different during the healing phase. The approximate operating time is one and one-half hours for four eyelids. The delicate sutures are removed three to six days post-operatively. These scars will be difficult to see after healing has occurred. More Ear Surgery Facts...

Possible Complications

Although complications and bad results are uncommon from this type of operation, they do sometimes occur. Some of the possible complications from this operation include: infection, bleeding, or nerve damage causing temporary or permanent loss of feeling. Other complications includes untoward reactions to anesthetic administration and allergic or bad reactions to one or more of the medications used during or after the operation.

The purpose of this information is not to frighten you, but to ensure that your decision to have this operation is not made out of ignorance of the potential risks of facial cosmetic operations. More Ear Surgery Facts...

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.