Many children are born with ears that protrude from the head, resulting in prominent ears. Otoplasty is surgery to tuck the ears back closer to the head. Usually the surgery is performed when the patient becomes aware of the problem, around first grade, but we also perform this facial surgery on many adults who never had the opportunity to fix the problem as a child. Call to learn more about ear surgery in Walnut Creek.
The incision is placed directly behind the ear at the point where the ear meets the head.
Otoplasty can be done under IV sedation for adults, but we usually use general anesthesia for children. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours, and you go home the same day.
Suggested time off work: 1 week
Walking: Walking is started on the same day as surgery
Exercise: Limited exercise at 1 week, full exercise at 2 weeks
Other: You return to our office in 2 days, at which time the dressing is removed. You can then wash your hair. We recommend wearing a head band around the head and ears to keep the ears protected from trauma for 2 weeks.
