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Otoplasty is the medical term for ear
surgery in which the doctor pins the ears
back. For the most part otoplasty is
performed on children ages 4-14, but it is
possible for adults to have the surgery
also.
There is no perfect age for the surgery, but
it is best to wait until the child wants the
surgery. Children who feel uncomfortable
about the appearance of their ears are much
more cooperative during the process. They
are also more happy with the outcome.
The surgery can be performed in our office.
Our operating room and
recovery rooms are separate from the rest of
the office and therefore provide you with
both privacy and convenience. During the
surgery, Dr. Shienbaum is assisted by a
Certified Nurse Anesthetist who will use IV
sedation for your anesthesia. You are given
medication in your IV that allows you to
fall asleep and remember very little. There
are no gases to inhale and you are breathing
on your own.
A small incision is made along the back of
the ear. The ear cartilage is shaped and the
ear is bent toward the head. Sutures are
used to help maintain the new shape. In most
cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar
in the back of the ear that will fade with
time. A dressing is applied at the
completion of the procedure.
You will have one on one care from our
recovery room nurse who is absolutely
wonderful at her job. She will make sure you
are warm and comfortable while she closely
monitors your vital signs. Usually we keep
our patients about 1 1/2 hours after surgery
until you have a chance to wake up good from
the anesthesia. Then, the nurse will help
you dress and take you out to your family
member or friend who is waiting to pick you
up. She will explain what care you will
require at home. That first night after your
surgery, our recovery room nurse will call
you and talk with either you or your
caregiver to make sure you are doing well
and do not have any questions.
Adults and children are usually up and
around within a few hours of surgery. There
is minimal discomfort which is easily
relieved with pain medication. We encourage
you to keep the bandage on for the first
week on a continuous basis. For some time
thereafter it is best to keep it on whenever
you are at home, and when sleeping.
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