Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of a person’s external ears. This ear surgery is either performed to bring ears closer to head or decrease the size of large ears. Otoplasty can be performed under a general anesthetic (especially children) or with a local anesthetic.
The procedure involves a small incision at the back of the ear and the cartilage is reshaped or removed to allow the ear to come closer to the head. In case of “shell ears” or “lop ears” in which the folds are not properly formed, a fold can be created. After the surgery, patients wear a head dressing for 3-6 days followed by a head band. This helps to reduce swelling and protect the ears as they heal. Subcuticular absorbable stitches are used which dissolve with time.
