Ear Surgery: Otoplasty Basics

If you feel self-conscious about your lobes protruding out too far on the sides of your heard, you may be interested in otoplasty, an ear surgery to reduce this area's prominence. Every person's facial features are different and when you look in the mirror your eyes may be drawn to this area because you are unhappy with the way that it looks. This procedure can fix the issue and restore your confidence in yourself and your appearance.

Decide on the Procedure:
Consult with a plastic surgeon to decide whether or not ear surgery is the right option for you. There are all kinds of things, including your own personal health that needs to be taken into consideration before a final decision has been made. You may want to meet with more than one physician just to get a second opinion. When you are confident that this is the solution that you have been waiting for, you can contact the office to set up the final appointment.

Anesthesia:
There are two main options for anesthesia when it comes to ear surgery. You can choose a local anesthetic that just numbs the area that is being worked on. For many people, this is a less expensive option. However, you are completely aware the entire time of what is being done and are full conscious.

Others, especially smaller children, are put under general anesthesia. For most people, this makes the procedure easier to handle and takes away some of the anxiety associated with an operation. No matter where the operation takes place, usually the patient is able to go home and recover.

The Procedure:
During an otoplasty an incision is made, usually behind the ears. This is the perfect place to hide some of the scarring that make occur. Depending on what needs to be adjusted or how, part of the skin and or cartilage is removed and the ears are pressed back to sit closer to the head. The ears are then repositioned and anchored to the head once again with the adjustments having been made.

Doctors may use dissolving stitches or those that need to come out at a later doctor's appointment. Either way, once the procedure is complete, it will take some time to recover. The physician will prescribe some type of antibiotic to prevent infection during or after everything is finished up. There is some pain involved, so expect to receive a prescription for pain medication as well.

Bandages:
When the ear surgery is complete, the patient's head is wrapped in bandages to protect the area. This is meant to keep the area from irritation and other problems and can also help decrease the swelling. Placing ice on the area for an extended amount of time can also help with the swelling. At night, a special headband is worn as a precaution. It depends on the physician, the patient, and the procedure to determine how long the headband is necessary. Once the ear surgery is complete, patients notice a new found confidence when they look in the mirror or present themselves to others.