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Protruding
Ear Correction (Otoplasty) THE OTHER KIDS AT SCHOOL TEASE
MY SON ABOUT HIS EARS. SHOULD THEY BE FIXED? HOW OLD DOES HE NEED TO BE FOR
THE SURGERY? HOW MUCH CHANGE IS RIGHT FOR
MY CHILD? WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF
OTOPLASTY? THE OTHER KIDS AT SCHOOL
TEASE MY SON ABOUT HIS EARS. SHOULD THEY BE FIXED?
Prominent
or protruding ears in childhood is a relatively common deformity. The
degree of severity can vary. The deformity is usually due to a lack of
bending of the ear cartilage during development so that the ear extends
directly out from the side of the head instead of lying back against the
head. Sometimes, it is due to extra amounts of cartilage being present in
the center depression of the ear, with normal folds and curves being
present. Although
protruding ears pose no health risk, there are children who are injured
socially by this deformity. Your
child may tire of the ridicule about the size and shape of his ears. The
laughter and name-calling such as "Dumbo" and "Monkey
ears" can eventually lead to shyness and resentment, which may worsen
overtime. The
decision to correct such a physical problem is purely optional but may go
a long way to restore your child's self-esteem. An in-depth discussion
about the possibility of correcting the protruding ear should be obtained
from your physician. HOW OLD DOES HE NEED TO
BE FOR THE SURGERY? The
operation is best performed between the ages of 4 and 5 years when your
child can cooperate with the care of his ears after surgery and before the
teasing and taunting of school-aged children becomes most severe. This
timing is also important to allow for the development of the ear to a
degree so that surgery will not affect the later growth of the ear. The
surgical procedure to correct protruding ears is called an otoplasty. The
operation is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia.
Correction for both ears may take between 2 and 4 hours depending upon the
specific deformities which need correcting. An incision is made near the
crease behind the ear. Extra skin and cartilage are removed as necessary.
Sometimes permanent stitches need to be placed into the cartilage to help
bend and reshape the ear. The stitches used to close the skin incision may
either dissolve on their own or require your child's doctor to remove them
after healing has occurred. A
bulky gauze dressing will be placed over the ears to protect them and help
to keep them in their new position. This dressing may be left in place for
1-7 days. After this dressing is removed, an elastic headband may be
needed during sleep for the next month to prevent your child from injuring
or repositioning the healing ears at night. HOW MUCH CHANGE IS RIGHT
FOR MY CHILD? Most parents and children greatly appreciate the improvement in the appearance of the ears. However, you must be aware that everyone's ears protrude from the head to some degree. The goal of surgery is to improve your child's appearance, not to make the ears exactly like a friend or relative's. The shape and size of the head are other features, which dictate how closely the ears should be positioned to the head. Be sure that you understand the goals your child's doctor has set. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF
OTOPLASTY? The major risks of the otoplasty inslude dissatisfaction with the shape of the ear, infection of the ear cartilage, pinning the ear too close to the head, not pinning the ear close enough to the head, and narrowing of the ear canal which makes it difficult to examine the ear drum, clean wax out of the ears and can interfere with hearing. The information provided on
this web site is not intended to take the place of consultation with your
physician. You should always consult a physician whenever you require
diagnosis or treatment. |
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Copyright © 2008 Atlanta Children's ENT. | |
