Otoplasty

An Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)  is commonly performed under general anesthesia for children, and local anesthesia for adults.  The standard Otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head and begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. This incision allows the cartilage located behind the ears to be reshaped in order to position them closer to the head. There are various surgical techniques involved in correcting irregularities other than protruding ears. These techniques can be discussed with Dr. Sullivan during the initial consultation. Otoplasty area is done on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia.  Because safety is our first concern, Dr. Kelly Sullivan always works with board-certified Maryland anesthesiologists to ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible. Your Otoplasty surgery will be performed at an accredited Surgical Center.  The ear surgery procedure takes approximately one to two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.  Following your Otoplasty surgery, you may recover in a medically supervised setting or in the comfort of your own home. The benefits of an ear surgery include:

• Bring proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much
• Correct folded ear tips (“lop ear” or “cup ear”)
• Reshape long or offset earlobes
• Enhance very small ears or other congenital defects
• Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear

Dr. Sullivan will give you written instructions for how to care for yourself after  Ear Surgery.  After the Otoplasty surgery is completed, bandages will be wrapped around the head to secure the ear in place and assist with the healing process. The bandages are typically removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings.  Post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. Any discomfort is treated effectively with oral medication. There will be some follow-up appointments with Dr.  Sullivan, to monitor your recovery. With self-care and compliance, most people have a complete Ear surgery recovery and a happy outcome.

An Otoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure; therefore not covered by insurance.

*PLEASE NOTE: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for any given individual can only be determined through a consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kelly Sullivan.