Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to correct prominent or protruding ears. The procedure involves reshaping the ear cartilage and repositioning the ear closer to the head to create a more balanced and natural appearance.
During the surgery, an incision is made behind the ear, and the cartilage is reshaped and repositioned. The incision is then closed with sutures, which are typically removed after about a week. Otoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and sedation, and the procedure usually takes about one to two hours to complete.
After the surgery, patients may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and by keeping the head elevated. Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week or two, and can resume normal activities within a few weeks.
It’s important to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for an otoplasty procedure. Additionally, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the results of the surgery may not be fully visible until several weeks or even months after the procedure.