Most ear surgery is done for prominent ears-ears that stick out. This happens for two reasons-either the bowl of the ear is too big and too deep, or the outer fold of the ear doesn’t form properly. Sometimes both are present. Prominent ears can be corrected by recreating the outer fold of the ear, and reducing the size of the bowl of the ear.
How is it done?
Incisions are made, usually on the back of the ear, sometimes just inside the bowl of the ear, where they are not typically visible. Stitches are used to recreate the cartilage folds, and also to hold the ear back against the head. Sometimes excess cartilage in the bowl (concha) is removed. This procedure can be done under either local anesthesia with sedation, or with general anesthesia.
How about recovery?
We will ask you to wear some surgical earmuffs for the first day, then at night for several weeks to protect the tender ears. You may remove them to shower the day after surgery. The ears are swollen for a week to 10 days, and the swelling isn’t really totally gone for a few months, so don’t worry if your ears seem a little big. Exercise is OK after a couple of weeks if contact is avoided.
