Ear surgery, technically known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure done to set prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Ear surgery can also replace ears lost due to injury or correct ear problems such as awkward folding, unusual smallness or absence of natural folds and curves. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in facial cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally on plastic surgery. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask Dr. Rohrich if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure. For more information, please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" or visit the "Resource Library" for related articles, websites and video clips.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

For the most part, the operation is performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr. Rohrich understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. Dr. Rohrich will evaluate your ears, including the skin and underlying cartilage and bone. After your consultation a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and scheduling dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to view computer imaging so that you can visualize the results of the otoplasty technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for your surgery.

Dr. Rohrich will review your medical history and check for conditions that may cause problems during or after the procedure such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems or the tendency to form excessive scarring. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. You should provide any information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

There are several techniques that Dr. Rohrich may utilize when performing ear reshaping surgery. One of the more common techniques involves making a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage and then sculpting the cartilage to bend it back towards the head. Non-removable sutures are often used in this to shape and sculpt the new ear. Another technique involves making a similar incision behind the ear and removing skin and using sutures to fold the cartilage back on itself. This technique reshapes the ear without removing any cartilage.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your ear reshaping surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing ear surgery. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. Ear surgery does not usually require an overnight hospital stay.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. The "Patient Care" section on this site gives instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. You may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off but for the most part ear surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. After surgery, the patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage to promote the best molding and healing. The ears and head may throb or ache for a few days, but this can be relieved with medication. After a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a head band which is worn day and night for 2 weeks. Sutures are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. The overall recovery time is about five days for adults and seven days for children. After this time, they can return to work or school, taking care to avoid bending their ears for about a month. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for at least a month.

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What should I know about my results?

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance and symmetry.

Patients, young and old, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly. Perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Fees are due in full at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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