Otoplasty Can

• Restore ears to a natural shape
• Position the ears closer to the head
• Bring symmetry and balance to the ears and face

Am I a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Adults as well as children are both excellent candidates for otoplasty surgery. Otoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons only and will not affect a patient’s hearing. Some adults have been unhappy with their ears for a long time and choose to have otoplasty later in life. Parents will often seek correction for their children at a young age, to help them feel confident in their appearance and prevent teasing or bullying. Children are typically considered candidates around five years of age, by this time the ears have matured and the cartilage is of adult size. To determine if you are a good candidate for ear surgery, Dr. Choroomi will review your medical history and perform an examination during your consultation.

Otoplasty Consultation with Dr Choroomi

Your initial consultation with Dr. Choroomi will last about an hour, during this time he will:

• Listen to the needs, goals and desired results.
• Evaluate the ear shape, measuring the distance between the back of the skull and ears to see the degree of prominence and amount of correction needed.
• Take photographs to show the improvement after surgery.
• Recommend a treatment plan that encompasses the goals and desired result.

Each patient is unique therefor specific questions regarding surgical procedure, recovery risks, and results will be discussed in detail at your consultation to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with your surgical plan.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

Dr Choroomi performs otoplasty surgery under general anesthetic for both children and adults. All areas to be corrected are marked prior to surgery. As part of his otoplasty technique, Dr Choroomi will place incisions completely behind the ear to hide any visible signs of scarring. Once the incisions are made both excess cartilage and skin will be removed and if necessary, Dr Choroomi will sculpt the ear cartilage into the desired shape. A combination of permanent and dissolvable sutures will be used to create a fold within the ear that did not occur naturally. A bandage is then placed around the head to keep the ears tight and compressed.

Recovery after Otoplasty

The ears are made of elastic cartilage and have a degree of memory. To ensure the ear does not flip back to its original position, it is important all bandages and headbands be worn the appropriate length of time determined by Dr Choroomi.

• Post surgery discomfort is typically very minimal. Patients should expect a minor degree of swelling and sensitivity at the suture site.
• A compress bandage is worn for 24 hours post surgery and removed by Dr Choroomi the next day to ensure all wounds are healing properly.
• A lighter bandage is then placed around the head and will need to be worn for 1 week until all sutures are removed.
• At 1 week sutures are removed and a light headband, much like a tennis player, will need to be worn all day and night for the next 2 weeks. The headband will continue to be worn at night for a further six weeks to protect the ears while sleeping.
• You may return to work or school approximately 1 week following surgery and return to any contact sports after 6 weeks.
• Three months after otoplasty surgery the ears have typically healed and the swelling has completely subsided.
• After healing there will be virtually no evidence of scaring as the sutures are skillfully hidden.