Procedure: |
Set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (Occasionally covered by insurance.) |
Length: |
2 to 3 hours. |
Anesthesia: |
Young children: usually general. Older children or adults: general or local, with sedation. |
In/Outpatient: |
Usually outpatient. |
Side Effects: |
Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness. |
Risks: |
Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial- looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery. |
Recovery: |
Back to work or school: 5 to 7 days.
Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months. |
Duration of
Results: |
Usually permanent. |
|
|
