Ear Surgery

Otoplasty is the surgical procedure to reduce prominent ears. This operation is often performed on children, however; adults are candidates as well. This surgery can help balance the ears with other facial features.

With every surgery there are possible risks and complications:

Dr. Yaker performs many otoplasties successfully each year. However; there are risks associated with this surgery. Possible complications following surgery include infection, bleeding, poor healing, scar tissue, and possible reaction to anesthesia. Smoking increases the risk of complications during the healing process.

About the Surgery:

Dr. Yaker works through an incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He then sculpts the cartilage and bends it back toward the head. Absorbable sutures may be used to help secure the new position of the ears. Dr. Yaker would consult with you prior to surgery to discuss the technique that will give you the best result. Following surgery a bandage will wrap around the head to protect the ears, this bandage will be removed within a few days after surgery. A head band or gauze wrap will need to be worn 7-10 days after surgery, to help hold the ears in position during the healing process. Generally a faint scar is left, and will fade over time. Often surgery is performed on both ears to achieve proper balance.

Post-Operative Instructions for Otoplasty

2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol).
• Do not take any diet pills or similar appetite suppressant medications, (i.e. Metabolife).
• Do not take any herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart).
• Do not take Vitamin E.
• Do Not Smoke - This will interfere with the circulation and healing process causing major complications.

Products Needed at Home:

Fill your prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:

• Percocet, Lortab, or Dilaudid is for pain.
• Keflex is an antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as directed).
• Extra-strength Tylenol.
• Benadryl 25mg - For Occasional Itching.

The Night Prior to Surgery:

• Eat a bland meal - Nothing Spicy.
• Take a Pepcid AC before going to bed.

The Day of the Surgery:

**Eating or Drinking Prior To Surgery Will Result in Cancellation of the Surgery**

• Wear loose clothing, something very easy to put on after surgery. Do not wear jeans or tight clothing. Wear a top that zips or buttons in the front.
• Do not wear make-up.
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
• The person caring for you after surgery will need to stay with you for at least 24-48 hours.

Post-Operative Instructions for Otoplasty

Medications:

• Take your pain medications for the pain. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
• Take the antibiotics as directed until they are all gone.
• Sometimes patients will develop a yeast infection from the antibiotics, if this occurs call the office.
• Should you become constipated, you may use an over the counter stool softener. If you do not have relief from your stool softener, call the office.
• Should you have itching, take Benadryl 25mg one tablet every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Remember no aspirin products until 2 weeks after surgery.

Other Things to Remember:

• If you feel you are in an emergency situation, please call the office at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding, abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101 degrees. Other calls should be made during business hours Monday - Friday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
• Oozing from the surgical site on the bandage in small amounts is normal. Should the bandage become completely saturated, call the office.
• A bandage will be worn around the head for 7 days.
• Do not swim for 3-4 weeks. The incisions need to be entirely healed, in order to prevent infection in the surgical site.
• Most patients take off a week from work.
• Do not drive for 5-7 days. If you are still on pain medication, do not drive until these are discontinued.
• Most patients find placing pillows behind their back, to prop up the head, helps reduce pain and swelling as well as making it more comfortable to rest.
• After the head dressing is removed, one week following surgery, you will wear a sweat band or head band, which is wide enough to hold the ears in proper position, for the next two weeks.
• Patients are encouraged to massage lotions containing Aloe Vera or Vitamin E on the scars to help during the healing process, once all of the sutures have been removed.
• Keep activity moderate for the first 3 weeks. After 3 weeks you may ride a life cycle, take walks, and lift light (5-8lbs) arm weights. After 4 weeks you may resume normal activities as tolerated.

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Ears that appear to stick out or are overly large can be helped by ear surgery.

An incision is made in the back of the ear so cartilage can be sculpted or folded. Stitches are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape.

Creating a fold in the cartilage makes the ear lie flatter against the head and appear more normal.

Illustrations courtesy of plasticsurgery.org