How Long Does Ear Surgery Take?

Cosmetic ear surgery is a procedure that many people consider when they feel like their ears are too large, stick out too far, or are abnormally shaped. The procedure is relatively simple and can be completed within a few hours at a surgical center. At Sule Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, we are committed to helping you love what you see in the mirror. If your ears are keeping you from feeling good about your appearance, this might be the right course of action for you.

Procedure

Timeline

Your cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty, is not a lengthy procedure. Depending on the specifics of your treatment and the extent of the changes that will be made, you can expect the surgery to last one or two hours. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis at our surgical facility.

You will need someone to pick you up and drive you home after the surgery. You will also need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours. after you are at home.

Consultation

The first step in your procedure is a consultation with one of our medical professionals. We will ask you to tell us about the problems you have experienced because of your ears and the results you would like to see. We will talk to you about realistic expectations for the procedure and discuss how the process will work. We will also ask you several questions about your lifestyle.

Before we can schedule you for surgery, we will need to know about your overall health. We will also ask you about medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter, and how often you drink alcohol. We will also need you to let us know about any drugs you take and whether you are a smoker. Please also disclose any previous surgeries you have had, especially if they were done on or near your ears.

Preparation

Before Your Appointment Day

There are some things you should do in the weeks leading up to your surgery that will make the experience go as smoothly as possible. One of these is to fill the prescriptions we will give you for medications to take after the procedure is completed. We will also ask you to stop taking certain medications that may thin your blood and interfere with the treatment.

You will need to do everything you can to avoid nicotine in the weeks before your surgery, and we may ask you to avoid certain alcoholic beverages as well. Please tell us about any medications you plan to take before your surgery, and please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions. It is better to ask if you aren’t sure about something.

On the Day of Surgery

You will need to abstain from eating and drinking for eight to twelve hours before your surgery. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and avoid makeup and jewelry. The procedure is typically performed under a local anesthetic, We will thoroughly numb the treatment area. You will be awake throughout the surgery but will be completely comfortable.

Another option is general anesthesia. This is when you would be put to sleep during the surgery and would wake up after it was over. We can discuss these options with you and recommend what the best choice is in your situation. Local anesthesia is typically the best option because recovery is faster and easier than it is with general anesthesia.

Process

Incisions

The first step in the procedure itself is that the surgeon will create an incision next to each ear. These incisions are made in the space behind your ear where your head and your ear are joined together.

Cartilage Molding

Next, the surgeon will remove any cartilage that will be excessive once the procedure is finished. The surgeon may also remove some extra skin. In some cases, cartilage will not have to be removed.

The cartilage that will remain part of the ear structure may be shaped and molded to better fit the ear. This will then be secured into place with stitches. Then the ear itself may be stitched into place with sutures. Once the stitches have healed, the ear will remain in its new location.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will have soft bandages and dressing over the incision sites. You will be able to go home on the day of the procedure with someone to drive you and stay with you for the first day.

You can expect to see significant changes in your appearance around two to three weeks after the surgery, and you should make plans to be away from work, school, and regular activities during this time. The results should be complete after about six weeks.

After Procedure Care

Rest

The most important objective right after your procedure is to get plenty of rest. This will help your body recover from surgery and get the healing process started. Have someone stay with you and check on you for the first 24 hours.

Follow-Up in 24 Hours

You will be scheduled to return to our office the next day so we can talk to you about how you are feeling and also to remove your bandages. At that time, we will talk to you about the right way to care for yourself as you heal.

Prop Up Head

You will need to keep your head upright for at least a week after the procedure. You will need to sleep in a recliner or another place where your head can be propped up. Avoid letting your head fall to the side.

Medications

Be sure to take all medications we have prescribed to you on schedule. Follow dosing directions exactly. If you have questions about how and when to take your medication, contact our office. We will probably prescribe you an antibiotic as well as a prescription pain killer. W will discuss this with you before we schedule your procedure.

Cleaning

We will provide instructions about how you should clean the incision areas as your body heals. We will talk to you about using hydrogen peroxide to clean the sutures and lubricant to keep them moist until they dissolve or are removed. If you have stitches that need to be removed, we will schedule an appointment for that about a week after surgery.

Headband

You will be given a headband after surgery that is designed to keep your ears in place and protect the area that was treated. You will need to keep this on for several weeks and continue to wear it at night until you are completed healed. We will help you determine when it is safe to remove the headband.

Regular Visits

We will schedule regular visits to check on your sutures and talk to you about how you are healing and how well your expectations were met. We will be an active part of your team throughout the process.

Issues Treated

Macrotia

Macrotia is a condition where your ears are large enough that they do not seem to be in proportion with the rest of your head. There are usually 16 to 18 centimeters between the head and the center of the ears. Anything larger than that is considered macrotia.

Macrotia is usually present at birth but may not be noticeable or obvious until a child grows. It is sometimes a genetic condition.

Protruding Ears

Protruding ears are ears that stick out from the head at an unusual angle. There are various degrees of protrusion possible and the extent of the angle will determine how much cartilage needs to be removed and trimmed. Ears may protrude at different angles on each side, creating an asymmetrical appearance.

Sometimes protruding ears can cause hearing problems. This requires a different approach to cosmetic surgery.

Misshapen Ears

Sometimes ears are abnormally shaped. This can be due to a birth condition, or it can be caused by an injury. During the otoplasty, the surgeon can reshape the cartilage in the ears to make them look more traditional.

Unsuccessful Past Treatments

Many adults ask about an otoplasty because they had previous surgeries or other treatments as a child that didn’t work or caused further problems. They may have had these treatments done at a time when surgical technology did not provide the opportunities it does today, or they may have been treated by someone who did not have the appropriate skills.

Benefits of Ear Surgery

Balanced Face

Once your treatment has been completed you will be able to see a face in the mirror that is more balanced. You will no longer have to worry about your ears causing you not o look the way you want.

Confidence

When you like the way you look, you are able to face the world with more confidence. Children will have the benefit of not having to worry about being teased or ostracized because of something unusual about their ears. The confidence you feel will show at work and in your personal life, helping you become more successful.

Good Candidates for Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Children

Children tend to be excellent candidates for ear surgery because their ears are still growing and are naturally more pliable. This is why children will typically see better results from an otoplasty than adults will. Kids who are in good health should handle the procedure well. Many children come in to have this process done because they are experiencing negativity at school or with friends when it comes to the shape and size of their ears.

Children who are old enough to understand the procedure should have a positive attitude about having it done. It can be good to do the surgery when children are very young because they will not have suffered social stigma for their ears and their ears are easily shaped. We will consult carefully with parents about the procedure so that everyone is comfortable with making the decision to schedule it.

Adults

If you are a relatively healthy adult, you are probably a good candidate for otoplasty. You will need to discuss your expectations with your surgeon to ensure that you are both on the same page about the process and the results.

A Balanced Face and Beautiful Ears

If your ears are keeping you from enjoying life and loving what you see in pictures of yourself, ear surgery might be the perfect solution. You might have always been self-conscious of your ears, and you might have gone through life thinking that there was nothing you could do. Contact Sule Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated staff. You don’t have to live with the ears you were born with. Come in as soon as possible to learn how we can help you. Your new ears may change your life.