Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Introduction

Otoplasty, the adjustment of flap ears, is carried out in order to draw the ears closer to the head or in order to make them smaller. Usually flap ears are asymmetrical; also there might be size differences between the two ears. The purpose of the surgery is to achieve this symmetry, but we cannot promise a perfect symmetry.

What patients can benefit from otoplasty?

The surgery is carried out after the age of 4 or 5 when the ear has almost reached the adult dimensions. It is advisable that the surgery should be done before the patient is enrolled in institutions as kindergarten or school in order for the patient to avoid psychic trauma due to unsavoury comments. It is preferable that initiative should stem from the children in the first place as thus they will be more co-operative and satisfied with the outcome.

Surgery hazards

There is no operation without hazards. When the surgery is carried out by an experienced surgeon the complications occur seldom and are usually of little importance. There are great differences among the patients as regards their healing rate so that the result can never be completely foreseen.
To a reduced extent, tiny blood clots may crop up behind the ear, along the incision line or slight infections located on the tegument or cartilage, which can be treated with antibiotics.