Ear surgery is done to improve the position, size or shape of the ears. It is usually done on children between 4 and 14 years, but adults can choose to have corrective ear surgery as well.
Common procedures are ear pinning, where the ears get positioned closer to the head, reducing the size of the ear or changing the shape of the cartilage.
Procedure
The procedure lasts between two and three hours. The treatment does not require overnight stay in the hospital.
There are two common techniques for ear surgery.
The most common technique requires the surgeon to make an incision, remove the skin and fold the ear cartilage back. Permanent stitches are used to make sure the cartilage stays in the desired position. The incision will be closed with normal stitches.
The other technique involves making an incision in the least visible part behind the ear. After the surgeon will shape and position the cartilage to get the desired appearance. Sometimes excessive cartilage will be removed. Permanent stitches might be used to keep the cartilage in place.
Recovery after the procedure
After the procedure the head is wrapped in a thick bandage to keep the ears in their new place and reduces healing time. In Thailand such a head dressing can feel very warm, so plan on spending time in an air-conditioned environment.
Usually there’s not much discomfort after the surgery, but slight throbbing and soreness are to be expected. Often after a few days you can return to the hospital to replace the bandage for a lighter one.
Children should especially take care when playing to not bend the ear, especially the first week. Adults should be able to resume work after a week, but are better off avoiding strenuous activity for a month. Children can go back to school after a week, but should be careful on the playground and skip gym classes for a few weeks.
When in Thailand or other sunny places make sure not to expose the ears to direct sunlight.
Risks
Complications are very rare with ear surgery. Blood clots and infections can occur, but this is extremely rare. A small visible scar will remain after the operation, but will be in such a position that it will not be noticed.
Who are candidates for ear surgery?
Often common children with malformed are treated, children should be at least 4 years of age. The treatment is best performed on children below 14, since the cartilage is easier to shape.
Adults who are unhappy with the shape, size or position of their ears can choose for ear surgery as well.
