The ear is a part of the human body that may bring a family stigma: “The son has his daddy’s ears!” Protruding ears may be found on several members of the family and is, in many occasions, a negative identification, mainly because it may be a reason of bulling during childhood, causing deep consequences on the child’s behavior.
The ideal age for protruding ears correction is at 5 to 7 years old, a period when the ear is already completely formed and almost equal to the size of an adult’s. Additionally, since this is a preschool phase, this is the period in which the psychological problems start. Normally the following questions will be asked during the first appointment:

DOES A PROTRUDING EAR SURGERY LEAVE SCARS?
The scar from the surgery is practically invisible, since it is located behind the ear, in the gap between it and the skull. Besides, since it is a region of very thin skin, the scar itself tends to be “almost imperceptible”, even when using techniques that need small incisions on the frontal face.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?
Children: General anesthesia. Adults: Local anesthesia with or without sedation (at discretion).

HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY?
From half to 1 full day, depending on the type of anesthesia and the patient’s age.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE TAKE?
Usually from 90 to 120 minutes. However, the surgical procedure time must not be mistaken for the stay of the patient on the Surgical Center, because this stay also regards the anesthetic preparation period and postoperative recovery. Your doctor may inform you of the total period.

IS THERE ANY DANGER IN THIS SURGERY?
The danger in this procedure is no greater than the one you face by travelling by car or airplane or even crossing a street. Those are risks from our routine, which we are used to face.

IS THE POSTOPERATIVE PAINFUL?
Some discomfort may occur in the postoperative. When it does, it may be treated with common painkillers.

HOW IS THE WOUND DRESSING?
The scar protection is made with small dressings. A special kind of cap protects the ear (especially for children) during the first days in order to avoid local traumas. In some cases a ballet or tennis sash is recommended.

WHEN ARE THE STITCHES REMOVED? IS THE PROCESS PAINFUL?
Around the 8th day. There is no pain when removing it.

HOW LONG IS THE DEFINITIVE RESULT REACHED?
As soon as the dressing is removed, 80% of the desired result will have been achieved. After 12 weeks the result will be definitive.

IS THERE ANY RISK OF A RETURN OF THE PROTRUDING EAR?

As long as the surgery is properly conducted, the result will be definitive. It is worth noting that a little asymmetry may occur, since even people who did not undergo this surgery and have normal ears do not present absolute symmetry.

RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE SURGERY FOR PROTRUDING EARS

PREOPERATIVE:

• Notify your doctor until the previous day of the surgery about flu, infections etc.
• Follow the established schedule for hospital admission.
• Keep fasting for a period from 8 to 12 hours before the time scheduled.
• Wash your hair in the day before.
• If you have long hair, they must not be cut, but kept long for some time after the surgery. This helps concealing the wound dressing in the first days.

POSTOPERATIVE:
• Avoid direct sunlight, chill, wind and local trauma for a 10-day period.
• Come to the doctor’s office for postoperative control on the dates scheduled by the nurse.
• Follow the medical prescription.
• You may return to school, work and other activities in 4 or 5 days after the surgery.
• No dietary restriction from the second day, though protein-based food (meat, milk, egg) and vitamins (fruits) are recommended.