What is Ear Surgery?
Ear Surgery, also known as Otoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to improve the appearance of the ears by correcting defects, deformities, and asymmetry.
Disfigured ears may be congenital or may be a result of injury, and restoring the natural appearance and contours of the ears can have a significant impact to one’s confidence and self-esteem.
Otoplasty is commonly used to correct protruding or unusually large ears.
Is Ear Surgery for me?
Candidates for Ear Surgery include children who are in good physical health and have ear cartilage that is stable enough for surgery. They must also be cooperative and consent to having the procedure performed.
Teenagers and adults may also be suitable candidates if they do not have existing medical conditions that may complicate recovery.
If you have any questions regarding suitability for Ear Surgery, feel free to contact us for a consultation. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your options for surgery and recommend a course of treatment.
About Otoplasty Procedures
Ear Surgery for adults and older children can be performed under local anesthetic, however, general anesthetic may be needed for younger children.
For the procedure, a small incision is made behind the ear to expose the cartilage. Small pieces of this cartilage may be removed, repositioned, and reshaped. The newly shaped cartilage is then secured in place with stitches.
The surgery usually takes one or two hours depending on the complexity of each case. You should be able to go home the same day if local anesthetic is used.
Recovery from Ear Surgery
Bandages will need to be worn after surgery to help the ears heal. Stitches may be removed about a week after surgery. It’s important to keep the grooves behind the ears clean during the healing process.
Having sore and tender ears after surgery is normal and pain medication may be prescribed by your doctor.
Be sure to ask your surgeon if you have any questions about the recovery period.
Otoplasty Results
The results of ear surgery are immediate, and the swelling after surgery will subside as the incision heals.
It may take a few months for the final results of the surgery to appear, and it’s important to take care of the area as it heals.
As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, it may take minor adjustment surgery to achieve optimal results.
Risks of Ear Surgery
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of Ear Surgery. Your plastic surgeon will ask you sign consent forms after explaining the risks involved in the surgery.
You may experience numbness in your ears for a few weeks after surgery, this is normal. Infection is not common, but if it does occur, treatment with antibiotics may be required.
In a small number of cases, your ears may be slightly asymmetrical and may require revisional surgery.
It is important to address any concerns you may have about the procedure with your surgeon.
Cost of Ear Surgery in Vancouver
The cost of Ear Surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience and location.
Ear surgery for your child may be covered by health insurance. It may not be covered for adults if it is considered cosmetic surgery. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your insurer.
Financing plans may be available for some patients, contact us to find out if you qualify.
