Portions of the cartilage are repositioned and may be removed. Permanent sutures may be used to maintain the new position. The skin behind the ear is sutured, and a soft dressing secures and protects the ears in their new position for several days. The skin sutures are removed within a few days. The swelling subsides within the first few days and the bruising in a few weeks.
Significant pain is rare, and medication can control any discomfort.
Special cases of patients born without external ears or with badly deformed ears are handled in a team fashion. These significant deformities can be effectively handled by the Facial Plastic Surgery Center's Microtia team. The patient's family should seek consultation with team leader, Dr. .Maas, for these complicated procedures.