Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children since the age of 7.
Surgery technique Otoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes one hour. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage and then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.
Rehabilitation: The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.
