What happens during otoplasty?
Otoplasty can help if you feel your ears are irregularly shaped, are asymmetric, stick out too far, or are too big. The exact procedure will vary depending on what you feel the issue is and how it can be changed, issues that will be discussed during the consultation with your doctor. Otoplasty has a very low incidence of complications. It is performed on an outpatient basis, with intravenous sedation or general anesthetic. The ear’s cartilage will be reshaped or removed to get the desired effect. The incisions will be made on the back of the ear so that any scars will be hidden. Both ears can have work done during the same procedure.
What happens after otoplasty?
Patients report there is only minimal pain. You may be uncomfortable, and there may be bruising and swelling around the ears, but over-the-counter pain medication can help. You will be given compression bandages to give the ears support as they heal and bandages to protect them from infection. You will need to avoid anything that might touch the ears, such as shirts that have to be pulled over the head and even glasses. It will take some time for the swelling to go down, but once it does you’ll notice a difference in your ears right away.
Typically, patients can get back to their normal activities within a week to 10 days. You should avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks after the surgery and make sure the ears are protected from any kind of impact.
You don’t have to be self-conscious about your ears anymore, thanks to an otoplasty procedure from Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC Plastic and Dermatologic Surgery in Calgary. Call (403) 571-3141 for an otoplasty consultation today!
