Otoplasty

Ear Surgery can provide many benefits, including:

   - Enhanced ear shape and proportion Improved ear symmetry 

 - Reduced ear prominence (ears will sit flatter and closer to the head) 

 - Heightened sense of self-confidence  

- Life-long results 

Several techniques can be used to address ear prominence and improve ear shape, and Dr. Duerr will determine which approach is ideal for you or your child. 

As with all procedures, we will make every effort to keep the scars as well-hidden as possible, with incisions often located in the natural folds behind the ear. While scars may never disappear entirely, most patients report that the marks do not bother them or are unnoticeable. 

Additionally, your hairstyle may completely conceal incisions, depending on how you wear your hair.  

To make the ear sit flatter and closer to the head, a small amount of tissue and cartilage is removed from the back of the ear. 

A wedge-shaped piece is trimmed and the edges are closed and contoured to achieve the desired outcome. In some cases, the incisions can be placed on the inside of the ear, hidden within the natural folds.

 The approach used will depend on your unique treatment plan. 

The type of anesthesia used will also vary depending on the complexity and details of the surgery. Whether local or general anesthesia is used, you should be able to return home the same day as the operation. We will provide the information you need at your initial appointment.  

 Adolescents and adults usually take about a week or less off from their normal schedule, including work and school. Younger children may need more time off depending on their needs. 

During this time, it’s important to keep your head elevated, even when sleeping, so we recommend using a couple of pillows to help prop you up at night. Children need to be watched during play and instructed to be very careful of their ears while healing. 

After a few weeks, they should be able to play as normal again, although the timeline may vary. You should have a good idea of the final outcome after two or three weeks. Minor changes may continue for up to a year, even though you may not even be aware of any other developments.  

Some tenderness, swelling, and bruising is normal for the first few weeks, and we will provide medication to help make your experience as comfortable as possible. 

Children will need support during healing to understand what is happening and to help participate in the process. We can provide suggestions on how to handle this event if needed.