Reduces the size of large ears or sets prominent ears back closer to the head. Ear surgery is commonly done on children between ages 4 and 14 years old (occasionally covered by insurance).

Length:  2 to 3 hours.

Results:  Usually permanent.

Procedure:  The type of incisions used for ear surgery will depend on the problem, and even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. For one of the common techniques, a surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose cartilage, then sculpts the cartilage, bending it back toward the head; occasionally removing a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold. Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear, skin removal, and stitches used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

Anesthesia:  General

Patient Status:  Inpatient or Outpatient -

Recovery:  Back to work or school: 5 to 7days. Strenuous activity and contact sports: 1 to 2 months.

Side Effects:  Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness and numbness (patients are advised not to sleep on their sides in order to reduce ear pressure.)