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Otoplasty is a surgical procedure which minimizes the appearance of protruding ears by setting them back to a more natural position.
Adults and children over the age of six with large, protruding or mismatched ears may be good candidates for otoplasty. The procedure can have tremendous benefits when performed on children, sparing them the ridicule and stigma often associated with large or protruding ears.
Otoplasty usually requires 1.5-2 hours to complete.
The incisions are hidden behind the ears. The incisions made for otoplasty do leave scars, though they tend to be small and well-concealed behind the ears.
Some aching or throbbing of the ears may occur during the first few days after surgery, though medication typically helps manage any discomfort that patients experience.
Most patients are up and about within a few hours of surgery and are able to return to work/school within a few days of surgery. More strenuous activity and any activity which risks injury to the ears should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
All surgery carries risk but adverse effects are rare. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, blood clot, excessive scarring and recurrence of the protrusion.