When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and
usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific
complications associated with this procedure.

A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can
be drawn out with a needle.

Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form.
Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the
infected area.

Planning For Surgery

Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears;
don't insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable
about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and
happier with the outcome.

In the initial meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your child's condition, or yours if you are
considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He or she
will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

Where The Surgery Will Be Performed

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, a doctor's
office-based surgical facility, or a freestanding surgery center. Occasionally, your doctor
may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure, in which case
you can plan on staying overnight in the hospital.

Types of Anesthesia

If your child is young, your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia, so the child
will sleep through the operation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to
use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake
but relaxed.

The Surgery

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures
may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the
back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and
bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the
new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide
a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and
stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with
time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both
ears for a better balance.