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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Can Increase Self-Esteem and Minimize Teasing

By Dave Stringham

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 03Sep2008 Word count: 406 Viewed: 285 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14 years old. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient, in part because the ears are already fully grown.

If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, including the circumstances in which it can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect from the procedure. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor or obtain a surgical consultation if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.

When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor, if they occur at all. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.

Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your child wants the change, as urging the child to proceed with the procedure could increase the child's self-consciousness about their ears. Children who feel uncomfortable about the size of their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

In the initial meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your child's condition, or yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He or she will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

An otoplasty procedure may be covered by your insurance policy. Please check with your insurance company for more detailed information about coverage.

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