This procedure is a cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of a person's external ears. Otoplasty can take many forms, such as bringing the ears closer to the head (often called ear pinning), reducing the size of very big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage.
| Procedure: |
Set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (Occasionally covered by insurance.) |
| Length: |
2 to 3 hours. |
| In/Outpatient: |
Usually outpatient. |
| Side Effects: |
Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness. |
| Risks: |
Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial- looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery. |
| Recovery: |
Back to work or school: 5 to 7 days. Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months. |
| Duration of Results: |
Usually permanent. |
