Ask Dr. Elliott: Questions About Ear Surgery

Answering questions from patients is always a big part of my work as a board-certified plastic surgeon, but this is especially true in cases where my patient is inquiring about one of the lesser known cosmetic procedures that I perform. Unlike household names like liposuction and breast augmentation, less in-demand procedures such as ear surgery can get lost in the shuffle. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t have a major impact on the lives of patients who undergo them. To help shed some light on this outstanding procedure, I wanted to take some time to answer a few common questions about ear surgery (AKA Otoplasty):

Question #1: What kind of recovery process can I expect following ear surgery?

In many cases, there is very little pain, discomfort, or bruising immediately following ear surgery. Post-surgical swelling can take about a week to subside, although some residual sensitivity may persist for another week or two. For some patients, the ears may feel numb for up to two months after their surgery, however this numbing is temporary and can help significantly reduce post-surgical pain.

Question #2: How long until I notice the results of my ear surgery?

One of the great things about ear surgery is that once your bandaging is removed, results will be visible immediately. They may be partially obscured by swelling initially but will continue to improve in the days and weeks following the procedure.

Question #3: What are the possible risks of undergoing ear surgery?

Any surgical procedure comes with some degree of risks, but ear surgery is considered very safe and the risk of complications following this procedure is very low. In rare cases, patients can have an adverse reaction to anesthesia, as well as the potential for bleeding, infection, or blood clotting. This is why it’s so important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before surgery. However, working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help minimize this risk even further.

I hope you found these questions and answers helpful. Ear surgery can provide an excellent path to a more balanced, symmetrical facial appearance that many men and women desire. If you think you might be a good candidate for this procedure, I highly recommend contacting me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, videos, and more.