Ear Reshaping

Prominent ears are congenital in nature. The ears are set apart from head and may even be disproportionate in size and shape. For school age children and young adults, this is often a significant psychosocial problem as it subjects them to peer ridicule. Otoplasty is designed to set the ears back after creating the folds and rotating the ears, thereby normalizing the appearance.

Incisions are made each ear where permanent sutures are used to create the ear folds and are buried under the skin. Occasionally a reduction in size may be necessary. Skin incisions are closed with dissolving stitches and do not require removal. Dr. Sabry prefers to perform the surgery earliest between 6 to 7 years of age, because of timing of ear cartilage maturity. The surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and may require 2 to 3 hours.

A compressive head wrap is applied and maintained for 7 days. Once removed, patients are advised to wear a headband for 6 to 8 weeks.

Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling and numbness are to be expected and may subside within 2 weeks. Most patients are able to return to school or work in 7 to 10 days.