Protruding Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a procedure designed for reposition of protruding ears into a more natural position closer to the head. Other deformities of the ear folds are also correctable. Dr. Zemplenyi treats patients of all ages at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery. School-aged children as young as four years-old are excellent candidates for this corrective surgery, but otoplasty may be performed at any age.  A properly-timed procedure in early childhood avoids labeling (such as "Dumbo ears") that may adversely affect normal psychological development.

General anesthetic is preferable for very young children while older children and adults tolerate this surgery very well under local anesthesia with "twilight-sleep" conscious sedation. More limited aspects of ear surgery are sometimes performed using straight local anesthesia. Otoplasty is performed through an incision placed behind the ear thus hiding it from a general view.  A bandage is worn for abut two days after surgery as it keeps the ears in their newly molded position, and an elastic headband is worn for three to four weeks at night following the surgery to protect the ears.  Discomfort from this procedure is usually minimal and easily controlled with post-operative analgesic medications. With the exception of contact sports, patients may return to normal activities in just a few days.

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