Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

When the cartilage of the ears does not form properly, the ears protrude noticeably from the side of the head.  Prominent ears tend to be a cause of embarrassment for children and adults alike.  Teasing amongst young children, as we all know, can be malicious.  This emotional trauma can be avoided if prominent ears can be corrected early in a child's life.

Otoplasty can be performed on any appropriate patient after the age of 5.  The age of 5 or older is preferred as it allows children the maturity to maintain their dressing and participate in their own care.  At the age of 5, malicious teasing from the patient's peer group has usually not yet begun.
Otoplasty is an insurable procedure under current Ministry of Health guidelines for patients under the age of 18.

Procedure
Otoplasty surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation in individuals over the age of 10.  In younger children, the procedure is done under a brief general anaesthetic.

During the Otoplasty procedure, a small incision is placed behind the ears, through which the cartilage is sculpted and reshaped.  The excess skin is removed.  If necessary, cartilage is removed to ensure the ears are positioned more closely against the head.  The skin incision is closed with a dissolving suture.  A dressing is applied which stays in place for a period of 7 to 9 days.  The scars behind the ear fade over time and become unnoticeable.

Post-Operative Course
Otoplasty surgery is usually performed as outpatient surgery.  Patients are discharged within 1 to 3 hours following completion of the surgery.  A gauze dressing is worn around the head for a period of 7 to 8 days.  During this time, the dressing holds the ears in their remolded position.

After the gauze dressing is removed, a headband is worn at night for 6 weeks to protect against accidental bending of the ear during sleeping.  Diving and helmets, which pull on the ears, must be avoided for a period of 6 weeks.   Children can go back to school after about a week and adults return to work the day the dressing is removed.

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