Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Austin, TX

Otoplasty potential candidates for ear surgery are over the age of four and are in good physical health with realistic expectations for the improvement of large or protruding ears. A private consultation with one of our surgeons is the best way to determine if otoplasty is right for you.

Ear surgery is primarily performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14, though otoplasty for adults can be performed later with no problems.

The surgeon asks what you would like to accomplish with an otoplasty. In addition, please inform the doctor about medical issues, including allergies to latex and medications. In addition, please provide information about previous surgical procedures.

Our patients’ otoplasty procedures are frequently performed at an outpatient surgical center.

The different types of anesthesia used during ear surgery often vary by age. General anesthesia is typically used for younger children, while older children or adults may receive general or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.

For the otoplasty procedure, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This is then reshaped and moved closer to the head in order to achieve the desired result. Sutures may be used to reshape the ear or hold the ear in place.

A typical ear surgery procedure takes about an hour and a half. However, the exact time will depend on each individual case.

Buckingham Center’s surgeons typically confine the incisions for ear surgery to the back of the ear.

Placement behind the ear ensures the scar remains well concealed. Furthermore, as time passes, the resulting scars tend to fade.

After ear surgery, your ears may be bandaged. For the first few days following surgery, patients should expect to experience some discomfort, throbbing, or aching of the ears. Nonetheless, these symptoms can be alleviated with prescription medication. The bandages are usually removed after a few days and replaced with a lighter headband-like dressing. Some swelling, redness, and numbness can also occur.

Work or school can typically be resumed within 5 to 7 days of the otoplasty procedure.

After ear surgery, vigorous exercise should be postponed for about three weeks. In addition, any activities that may involve hitting or bending the ear should be avoided for at least six weeks.

It depends on what your correctly formed ear looks like. If the ear’s measurements fall within the typical range, then surgery only needs to be performed on the ear that protrudes. However, if both ears protrude, it is often best to address the differences in both ears.

There are different deformities in the ears that can be referred to as uneven. If the ear protrusion is asymmetrical, then an otoplasty can make the ears appear more even. If one ear is truly lower than the other is, and the earlobe is attached, there is no way to correct the asymmetry.

Otoplasty procedures are very reliable. However, there are times when a patient is unhappy with their result. At the Buckingham Center, unhappy patients are a rarity. Nonetheless, our surgeons can perform a revision otoplasty for individuals who had their initial ear surgery at another facility.

No, an otoplasty will not affect your hearing positively or negatively.