Otoplasty is performed in our on-site surgery facility. It can be done under general/MAC anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia in which the area is numbed, and the patient remains awake. Premedication may be administered to relax the patient. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain aspirin-containing drugs for several weeks before the procedure to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
Ear surgery can take up to two hours or more, depending upon the extent of surgery. There are several cosmetic ear surgery procedures that can be used, which are designed to bring the ears closer to the head. Dr. Marvel may either fold down the cartilage and use sutures to keep the folds together or remove excess cartilage. After reshaping the cartilage, the incisions are closed with small sutures and the ears are covered with bandages.
Pain connected with cosmetic ear surgery is minimal to moderate and controlled with oral medication. Bandages are removed within a few days but may be replaced with a lighter head dressing. Bruising around the area occurs but fades within a few weeks. Some temporary swelling occurs, but the condition can be alleviated by keeping the head elevated when reclining. Although patients are usually up and around one or two days after surgery, the decision as to when normal activities can be resumed is determined by Dr. Marvel and is based on the extent of surgery and the patient’s healing process. Each year thousands of otoplasty procedures are successfully performed. Occasionally, a second procedure is necessary if an ear begins to protrude again.
