Otoplasty: Consider Surgery to Fix Your Child's Ears

While some adults are not happy with the way their ears look, ear surgery is most common for children since some are born with deformities in this area of the body. If you have a child whose ears are small, misshapen, or asymmetrical, you may be able to get it fixed through otoplasty, which is a surgical procedure that can fix the issue. Consider the basic facts about it before talking to a plastic surgeon for further information.

It is often best to get this surgery before the child enters school, but he or she needs to be able to follow some directions during the otoplasty. Additionally, the ears continue growing and developing until about age three, which is why this procedure is usually performed when patients are older than this. While older children and adults can have this treatment done, as well, it is usually best to do it before it is necessary to take time off school or work, which is why it is often encouraged that kids get it done before kindergarten if possible.

You can expect that your child will wear gauze around the head after the otoplasty, as this will keep their newly shaped ears in the correct place, also helping them avoid hitting the area or rubbing it on their pillow while they sleep. After about five days, this gauze will be replaced with dressing that looks like a headband, and the ears will also need to be wrapped each nigh to further protect them. There will be some swelling and bruising during recovery, but it should resolve within two weeks. Your kid should be able to return to normal activities at this time, but should avoid any movements or sports in which the ear could be hit or rubbed against for at least six weeks.

In many cases, you may be able to get the otoplasty paid for by insurance. This is especially true if you can show that it is a deformity or congenital abnormality that has been present since birth. The best way to get it paid for is to contact the insurance company as soon as the issue is noticed. Have your child's doctor write a letter to the provider if necessary, as this will show that you have sought appropriate treatment right away.

Your child will likely be thankful to get this issue sorted out before starting school, as children often tease anyone who looks slightly different. If you want to help avoid this problem, you should schedule an appointment with a surgeon to find out if otoplasty is right for your kid. Otherwise, he or she can wait until adulthood to get the problem fixed, at which time it may be difficult to get it covered by insurance.