Ear Cosmetic Surgery

Ear "Cosmetic" Surgery Protruding Ear Correction

Large, over-extended ears can be a source of self-consciousness in many adolescents. Teasing and torment over the noticeable feature often drives children to resent and wish to change the very source of negativity. Protruding ears can be easily corrected by a treatment that shifts the position of the ears, or simply moves them closer to the head. A child should not have to undergo cruel teasing and taunting if changes can be made, which is why most receive the surgery from four to fourteen years of age. A protruding ear surgery is more common among youngsters, but adults are eligible for the surgery as well.

More About Protruding Ear Correction

A protruding ear treatment is ideal for younger individuals as well as older because it involves very slight discomfort and is a safe procedure for all ages. Although this cosmetic surgery is safe for children, there are some stipulations to receiving a protruding ear treatment. Potential patients should have the intent to lessen the look of protruding ears, be healthy, and have realistic goals for their surgical outcome. Parents should prepare their children for the surgery and the healing process that follows.

Generally performed on an outpatient basis in the surgical facility of a hospital, surgery center, or plastic surgeon's office, a protruding ear correction can take two to three hours to undergo. A more extensive operation may require more time. If the patient is a child, general anesthesia is more common, while adults are usually administered sedation and local anesthesia.

A large bandage is placed over the surgical site after the corrective cosmetic procedure, and is exchanged with a headband a few days later. It is normal for a patient to experience aching or throbbing of the ears following a protruding ear correction, and pain medicine can minimize the discomfort. Other possible side effects are temporary swelling, a lack of sensation, and redness of the area. Sutures are removed within a week unless they are dissolvable stitches which do not require more care from a plastic surgeon. School and work may be returned to in five to seven days after the surgery. Any activity that requires physical exertion should be postpones for one to two month. If the patient plays a sport or does an activity that may bend the ear, they should refrain from them for a month or longer.

Accompanying the protruding ear surgical treatment are possible risks of infection, noticeable scarring, hematoma, an asymmetrical or unrealistic look, the requirement for another surgery, and recurring protrusion of the ears.