Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the the personal satisfaction and clinical outcome of ear surgery. In preparing your child for ear surgery, the safety and success of the surgery will require an honest discussion with the child about what they will experience and what is expected of them. Regardless of age, it is essential that you:

• Honestly share expectation for your or your child with your plastic surgeon
• Fully disclose health history, current medications and the use of vitamins
• Adults disclose the use of herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco or drugs
• Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions precisely

Dr. Lesavoy will carefully explain the ear surgery you or your child will undergo. Prior to your procedure, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

• Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
• Day of surgery instructions and medications
• Specific information related to the use of anesthesia

In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure Dr. Lesavoy that you fully understand the procedure you or your child will undergo, and any risks and potential complications. Risks associated with ear surgery include infection, blood clot or a collection of blood at the incision site and risks associated with anesthesia.

It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Lesavoy. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with Dr. Lesavoy.

Ear surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Dr. Lesavoy recommends general anesthesia in cases involving children, so that your child will sleep comfortably through the procedure. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. In any case, Dr. Lesavoy and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medications that Dr. Lesavoy will either prescribe or recommend. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.

Returning to light, normal activity is often possible as soon as the day following surgery, as long as the ears are protected. Children should refrain from rough or aggressive play until healing is complete.

Dr. Lesavoy will remove the dressing 5 to 7 days following ear surgery. The surgical wound will then be cleansed and any external stitches will be removed. Dr. Lesavoy will give you instructions on how to care for incision sites.

Healing will continue for several weeks and the incision lines will slowly refine and begin to fade. Continue to follow Dr. Lesavoy’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.