Otoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed on children and adults and the results are consistently outstanding. To be a candidate for a procedure, a patient must be in good health. With children, ear cartilage must have grown stable enough to allow for surgery. This typically should occur by about age five. Just as important, children should also be able to communicate their consent when discussing the procedure and be able to follow instructions from the medical team with the help of a parent or guardian.

Before a procedure, Dr. Saber and her medical staff will evaluate the patient’s current health and medical history as well as discuss the desired outcome for the surgery. After a thorough examination, Dr. Saber will provide her recommended course of action and review any potential risks or complications. During this time, the patient and parents, where applicable, will also be able to ask any questions or cover any concerns they may have.

Step 1: Anesthesia

Ear surgery can be done through a combination of local anesthesia plus IV sedation or with general anesthesia, depending on the patient as well as the nature of the procedure. In either case, Dr. Saber always works with board-certified anesthesiologists, so patients and parents can rest assured that treatment is occurring under maximally safe conditions.

Step 2: Incision

Depending on the type of correction being done, incisions and techniques may vary. In general, incisions are most commonly made on the back of the ear. If for some reason they are needed in the front instead, they are placed strategically so as to blend with the ear’s creases and keep visible scarring to a minimum.

Step 3: Incision Closure

After the correction of the deformity based on each patient’s individual needs, the site is closed with stitches and bandages. For most patients, the entire procedure takes about two hours.

Immediately following the surgery, patients commonly experience some discomfort, swelling, as well as itchiness which can be managed with medication. It’s recommended that patients avoid sleeping on their sides and avoid rubbing or scratching their ears. In most cases, recovery takes approximately one week, so patients or their parents should make arrangements to stay at home during this time. Dr. Saber will provide detailed care instructions.