Correcting Protruding Ears

Ear surgery (called Otoplasty) is usually done to set prominent, protruding ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

Who Would Benefit From Ear Surgery?

Typically, ear surgery is done on children between the ages of four and fourteen. The development of ears and ear growth are almost fully completed by age four. Although, ear surgery on adults is possible, the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. On an older patient there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

A small percentage of patients can develop a blood clot on the ear which may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.

Patients can occasionally develop an infection in the cartilage that requires antibiotic treatment. Such infections can cause scar tissue to form. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

Where The Surgery Will Be Performed?

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital or a surgery center in Manhattan Beach.

The Surgery

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique depends on the problem being corrected.  For protruding ears, a small incision can be made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage to sculpt or remove the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear (without removing cartilage) and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear.

Getting Back To Normal

In about a week, patients’ stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve.

Activities in which the ear could possibly be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults return to work about five days after surgery and children typically go back to school after seven days as long as they are careful about playground activity.

Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other anomalies of the ear that can be helped with surgery. Dr. Granzow can discuss which option is best suited for your condition.

For more information on ear surgery or find out if you are a candidate, contact our office at (310) 882-6261.