Protruding Ear Surgery
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Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is the surgical procedure used to "pin back" or reposition the ears closer to the head. This deformity can cause deep emotional scarring for children, which is often unappreciated even by a child's parents. Because the visual and psychological improvement after ear surgery in Champaign is usually dramatic, it is highly rewarding to the patient, the family and the surgeon.
To learn more about ear surgery, request a consultationrequest a consultation with Dr. G. D. Castillo or call our office nearest you. We look forward to helping you enhance your look through skilled cosmetic procedures, and encourage you to view ear surgery photos in our online photo gallery.
Ear Surgery Before & After Photos
Otoplasty is performed preferably for a child of preschool age, before the age of six years, to avoid classroom teasing. However, the procedure can be done at anytime later; in fact, most of our patients from Decatur, Peoria, and Champaign having ear surgery are teenagers or adults.
The Procedure
An incision is made behind the ear where it joins the scalp and some of the skin is removed. The cartilage is reshaped by incision and sutures to obtain a better shape and to have the ear lie closer to the head. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with local or general anesthesia used.
The scars resulting from the incisions are located behind each ear and are hidden by the crease of the ears. The depth of the fold between the ear and the scalp will be decreased; therefore, if the patient is accustomed to wearing eyeglasses, a readjustment of the frames will be advised.
After Surgery
After leaving the office, the patient wears a tight bandage for the first 24 hours. If a drain was used, it is removed at the office 24 hours later. There will be pain and discomfort in the ears and pain medication will be required for 2 to 3 days. After the first 24 hours, the bandages may be removed and replaced with a ski band that is worn to keep the ears snug against the side of the head. This band should be worn constantly, 24 hours a day, for the next week. Then, the patient need only wear it while sleeping for the next 1 or 2 weeks.
