Surgical Procedures
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty is the correction of prominent or protruding ears. It is a common plastic surgery procedure that is performed to correct developmental abnormalities from birth.
The Deformity
There are several anatomical features that cause the protrusion of the ear. They are the lack of development or partial development of the antihelix, or a deep concha (cup) of the external ear. In most patients there is a combination of both of these features that may need to be adjusted during otoplasty. Both of these problems will add to the protrusion of the ear, which is the distance taken from the edge of the helix (the ear rim) to the mastoid (the skull behind the ear). The normal distance of this measurement is about 1.8 cm.
Operation
The procedure varies, depending on the problem that must be corrected. These problems, as noted above, include: a deep cup of the ear (concha), a lack of development of the fold in the ear, and various cartilage problems.
If the ear surgery is performed on an adult, it may be performed in the office as an out-patient or in the hospital.
Otoplasty is performed at one of two stages in life. If recognized early, otoplasty is best performed when the child is at the preschool level - age 5 thru 6. This is the most common time for correction, and continues through the early childhood years. The child can understand and cooperate with the postoperative instructions. Adult otoplasty correction can be performed at any age. It has the advantage that it is performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.
The otoplasty procedure usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the anesthesia that is used. Various internal suturing techniques, cartilage removal and repositioning are used. This depends on the nature of the problem to be corrected. The main incision is made behind the ear in the natural crease so the scar is unnoticeable.
Anesthesia
Because the young child cannot cooperate, otoplasty is performed for children under general anesthesia at the hospital or surgical center. If otoplasty is performed for the adolescent or adult, it may also be performed under local anesthesia in our procedure room.
Convalescence
There is minimal pain after the first night of otoplasty. However, you must wear a bandage for the 3 days. This keeps the gentle compression intact. We do recommend that you wear a head band at all tines for the first week, then 8-10 hours a day for the next 2 weeks. Discoloration is usually gone by ten days after surgery. For the adult, return to work is in one week.
Complications
The incidence of complications for otoplasty is remarkably low. Occasionally correction of the otoplasty may not stay, and then revision surgery is required. Dr. Song will review all complications with you.
Insurance Reimbursement
There are some insurance policies that routinely reimburse the cost of the otoplasty operation if performed in the early childhood years. This is dependent on the severity of the deformity. Our office staff will help you contact your carrier to see if this may apply for you.