Ear Plastic Surgery
A quick ear cosmetic surgery that is used to set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears.
To perform an ear surgery operation a tiny incision is made in the back of the cartilage can be sculpted or folded. Stitches are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape.
Most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years are candidates for ear plastic surgery. (Occasionally covered by insurance.) However, adults can benefit from this procedure as well.
The results of ear plastic surgery operations are permanent.
Possible side effects ear cosmetic surgery operations are: Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness. Risks: Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial-looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery.
You will be back to work or school in 5 to 7 days after ear surgery. Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months.
Young children usually require general anesthesia for ear surgery. Older children or adults may choose general or local anesthesia with sedation.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for ear surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed. Though rare, your doctor may recommend that you have blood drawn ahead of time in case it is needed during surgery. Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two. Special accommodations are available for patients who are coming from out of town.
After ear plastic surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Don’t expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days. It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
Ear Surgery Cost
Lower bound: $3,000
Upper bound: $8,000
National average: $4,500
