Ear Surgery FAQ

What is ear surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure designed to set prominent ears back closer to the head and reduce the size of large ears.

How do I known if I’m a good candidate for ear surgery?

If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in the appearance of your ears, you may be a good candidate for otoplasty. This procedure is usually done on children ages four through adults. This is because by age four the ears are almost fully grown. Some parents want their child to have the operation at an earlier age to prevent the child from being teased. Some parents decide to wait and let the child decide.

What type of anesthesia will I receive for my ear surgery?

Ear surgery is often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically used on children. Dr. Sood will determine which anesthesia is best for you.

How long is the surgery?

Surgery time for otoplasty is usually about one to three hours.

Will I have scars after my ear surgery?

The incisions made for ear surgery do result in scars though they tend to be well-concealed behind the ear. This scar will fade in time.

How much pain can I expect after ear surgery?

You may experience some temporary discomfort, particularly around the incisions, but this can be relieved with prescription medication.

What should I expect of the recovery after ear surgery?

Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage following surgery. This bandage can be removed within a few days and will be replaced by a lighter garment similar to a headband. This headband usually needs to be worn for about a month following surgery. You (or your child) should avoid any activities that would cause the ear to be bent for about a month. School/work can usually be resumed within a week.

What risks are associated with ear surgery?

Risks associated with ear surgery include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, scarring, infection, blood clot in ear, and the need for additional surgery. Please check with Dr. Sood regarding specific concerns.

Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.