The ear surgery or Otoplasty usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, however in complex cases it can take more time. It is performed in the operating room, in a clinics or hospital. Depending on the type of anesthesia, the procedure is performed on an ambulatory basis or it will remain in the hospital the night of the surgery. The technique used for Otoplasty will depend on the desired ear changes of the individuals and on what the surgeon deems appropriate. Although there are several surgical approaches to Otoplasty but generically, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the atrial cartilage. Once, exposed, the cartilage is sculpted and folded back also the internal points can be used to maintain the new shape. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove part of the cartilage to obtain a more natural ear. Finally a wedge of skin is removed from the back of the ear. The scar resulting from the Otoplasty is hidden behind the ear. Most of the time, even if only one ear seems abnormal, the two intervene to achieve a better symmetry.

The ear surgery or Otoplasty usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, however in complex cases it can take more time. It is performed in the operating room, in a clinics or hospital. Depending on the type of anesthesia, the procedure is performed on an ambulatory basis or it will remain in the hospital the night of the surgery. The technique used for Otoplasty will depend on the desired ear changes of the individuals and on what the surgeon deems appropriate. Although there are several surgical approaches to Otoplasty but generically, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the atrial cartilage. Once, exposed, the cartilage is sculpted and folded back also the internal points can be used to maintain the new shape. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove part of the cartilage to obtain a more natural ear. Finally a wedge of skin is removed from the back of the ear. The scar resulting from the otoplasty is hidden behind the ear. Most of the time, even if only one ear seems abnormal, the two intervene to achieve a better symmetry.

Most patients are well within a few hours of surgery. A bandage is placed around the head immediately after the surgery. The ears may hurt a little the first few days because of soreness, but it is easily relieved with medication. In a few days the bandage is changed to a lighter one similar to a hair ribbon. It is important to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon regarding the use of the bandage, especially at night. Any activity in which you can bend your ears should be avoided during the first month. Tentatively, most adults return to work 5 days after surgery; children return to school in about 7 days, but the time actually depends on how fast they heal and what they feel.