Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a procedure to reduce prominent ears.  Prominent ears may result from absent folding in the mid portion of the ear (antihelix), or from excessive size of the inner portion (concha), or both. Otoplasty involves recreating the normal folding in the mid portion by treating the cartilage with abrasion and sutures. It may involve reducing the size of the concha. The incision is placed behind the ear. Stitches are removed in a week to ten days. The patient is asked to wear a protective head band for two to four weeks postoperatively, and to avoid any sports or activity which might traumatize the area. This protection allows the cartilage to heal, which takes longer than skin healing. The patient can usually resume all activities, including sports, after six weeks.