Otoplasty: Correct Protruding Ears

Otoplasty is a procedure that is used to assist with ears that protrude. Parents sometimes have this procedure completed for their children to raise their confidence when they begin attending school. The procedure must be completed at just the right age. Doctors usually wait until a child's ears have grown to a certain point before they will operate. Usually, once a child is over five, he or she may have the surgery. The doctors use a small incision that is placed a little behind the ear. Of course, adults can have the surgery as well. A skilled doctor can complete the surgery so that the incisions are not easily seen. It normally takes only one incision for each ear for otoplasty.

People who have this surgery, might be prescribed medication to ease the discomfort. The doctor will discuss any risks or complications with you prior to the procedure, but some of the risks include infections or abnormal bleeding. In some cases, the procedure may cause the ears to appear to be uneven, or one may appear to be larger than the other. The risks may be reduced if the patient is healthy enough for the operation and the doctor is skilled.

Before agreeing to the surgery, it is helpful to see photos of the doctor's results. If you are unsure of the surgery, you can view general before and after photos of the procedure so that you can get an idea of the difference that the surgery can make. Discuss the aftercare with your doctor. You will probably go home with the dressing and will be told how to care for the wound when the dressing is removed. It is important to listen to your doctor and keep the dressing intact during the desired time.

Adults who have not had the procedure, may want to consider otoplasty to raise their confidence even more. The procedure may help you look more sophisticated. Like many other procedures, when otoplasty is desired for cosmetic purposes, health insurance policies do not normally cover it. You may have to consider the fees for the anesthesia and other hospital fees. Ask about the fees associated with the procedure, so you will know how to plan for it financially. You might be able to shop around to find an experienced doctor who is within your budget. Do not forget to factor in time spent away from work or school as well.

Although the dressings for the procedure will probably be removed a day or so after the surgery, you might need additional time to feel well enough to go to work. Children might need an even longer time to feel well enough to go to school. If possible, you should try to wait until the area has healed properly before sending a child to school. You should also ask that the child be excused from physical education due to the risk of interaction by another student or through participation in an activity. Your doctor will give you some recommendations on the length of time that he or she suspects that you will need before you or a child resumes strenuous physical activity.