Ears are fully grown by the age of four or five, therefore this is a surgery often performed on children. Otoplasty can also be performed on adults without any additional risk. Internal sutures are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape. This procedure generally takes two to three hours to complete and can be performed in an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia or in the office using local anesthesia and I.V. sedation. Dr. Freeman will recommend that you wear a headband type garment for several weeks to mold the ears close to the head and to decrease any tension on the internal sutures.
Most patients are ready to return to work within three to five days.
Children are ready to return to school in five to seven days with restriction of any activity that might injure the ears.