Ear Surgery Procedures

Ear surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the type of procedure being done.

For purely cosmetic cases such as reducing prominent ears or repairing torn earlobes, operating time varies from one to two hours. It can be done as a day care procedure under local anesthesia in most cases, but may also be done under general anesthesia (usually for children).

You will be able to go home within a few hours, and may have a dressing for a day or two. Full recovery may take upto a week.

For reconstruction of congenital ears, more than one procedure is usually required, each stage addressing one area of concern. This may also involve taking cartilage for the framework of the new ear from the ribs, and transplanting it to its new location.

You should avoid any strenuous activity that for the first few days, and sleep with your head raised. You will usually be able to wash your hair right after 48 hours.

Complete internal healing takes upto six to eight weeks and you can resume wearing earrings after this period.

Complications

The commonest problem during recovery is swelling and bruising, which tends to disappear within a week or two.

Scars can stretch or become h ypertrophic or keloidal , and may need further treatment.

Infections do occur, although rarely, making the ear swell up and become red and tender. This is usually treated with medication.

Some loss of skin from the area, which may need a later skin graft - this is very rare.

Asymmetrical ear position - in a few cases further surgery may be necessary to readjust the ears.

Though these complications are minor, they can still happen even under the best operating circumstances.