Process of Ear Surgery

The process of reconstructive ear surgery is going to vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. Several steps are similar, however.

Before the Surgery

Before the surgery, you need to choose a doctor. Then discuss with your doctor the procedure and what you are wanting as a result. If your child is facing surgery, it is your responsibility as a parent to make sure that the doctor understands exactly what you expect from the surgery.

Procedure

The procedure begins with anesthetic. Usually in adults this is simply a local anesthetic, but in children, they are put under general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes the incision. Typically this is made behind the ear to hide the scaring. Any excess skin is going to be removed, and cartilage is repaired and reshaped. Once this is finished, the ear is reattached in the most pleasing position. The duration is one to two hours.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will find that their head is covered in bandages, with space for the eyes so the patient can see. It takes about a week before the bandages are removed completely.

Benefits of Ear Surgery

The best benefit of ear plastic surgery is the social and psychological benefits. Those who have deformed ears are subject to a lifetime of teasing by their peers, particularly in children. When the deformation is corrected, the teasing ceases. Some deformities do cause hearing loss. This is corrected by surgery, which is a major benefit for the patient. Others experience an improved appearance, for which they are grateful.

Risks of Ear Surgery

As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved with plastic surgery of the ear. These are minimal risks, however. One possible risk is a blood clot in the ear. If this occurs, the doctor will either allow it to dissolve naturally, or remove it with a small needle.

Another possible risk facing those undergoing ear surgery is an infection in the ear's cartilage. This complication is treated with medication. The structures around the incision can loosen, and if this occurs, the ear might return to its normal place, requiring a second surgery.

The most frustrating possible complication is an over correction. This places the ear too close to the patient's head, which can be just as devastating as the problem that the surgery is supposed to correct. The best way to avoid this complication is to choose a quality surgeon.

Ear plastic surgery is a good way to protect children and teens from a lifetime of teasing due to malformed ears. If this is something you or your child faces, you might want to consider cosmetic ear surgery to correct the problem.