Although most plastic surgery procedures are performed only on adults, or in some cases teens once growth has been completed, children may undergo otoplasty. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes ears which protrude. Cartilage can be molded during the ear surgery to create a more balanced appearance.

If the child is physically healthy, those as young as 5 years old may have the procedure. Ear surgery can actually be more beneficial at a young age because the cartilage is more pliable and easier to work with. In fact, the long-term results may be more pleasing.

By having otoplasty performed as a child, a great deal of teasing can be avoided. Unfortunately kids can be cruel at times and can tend to pick on things about others that are out of the ordinary. Large or protruding ears are often an easy target, prompting nicknames like “Dumbo” and “Mickey Mouse”. Ear surgery can boost your child’s self-esteem and make him or her less self-conscious about their appearance.Instead of becoming introverted, he or she will blossom with confidence. The incision is placed behind the ear, and therefore no one will easily be able to tell that he or she had a procedure done.

Otoplasty may take from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. General anesthesia will be used when working with young children. During the procedure cartilage may be set back with sutures to address protruding ears. Some cartilage may need to be removed or the outer rim of the ear may require repositioning.

There are very few risks involved, and therefore recovery is fairly simple. A dressing will need to be worn for one week. A sports headband is then worn for 2 additional weeks during the day and night and 2 weeks after that just at night. Your child will be able to return to school after 1 week, although any activity that could cause trauma to the ears should be avoided for a month or more.

If you are interested in otoplasty for your child, contact Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery of Newport Beach, CA, at 949-650-8882.