Otoplasty Salt Lake City - Ear Surgery Utah

Otoplasty is surgery performed to reshape or reconstruct a deformity of the ear. The majority of these procedures are performed to reshape one or both ears that are large or prominent. Other ear deformities are the result of birth deformity, trauma or cancer.

Prominent ears are generally caused by excessive or poorly folded cartilage framework. During the procedure an incision behind the ear is used to expose and reshape this framework. In general, otoplasty is not performed on children until the ears are nearly fully developed. For most children this is between five and eight years of age.

The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. When performed under general anesthesia the patient is completely asleep, when performed under local anesthesia the patient is relaxed but awake and the ears will be numbed.

Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will go home after the procedure. You will have a dressing on the ears. Pain medications and antibiotics will be provided. Swelling and bruising can be significant for the first several days. Ice packs and head elevation will be used for the first two days to improve pain and swelling. To avoid injury, strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for several weeks after surgery.