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Cosmetic ear surgery

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Otoplasty; Ear surgery - cosmetic

Expectations after surgery:

The ears are covered with a bulky bandage after surgery. There is some tenderness and discomfort that is easily controlled by medication. If the surgery is done in a hospital, the child usually goes home that day, or the next.

Convalescence:

The ear bandages are removed after 2 to 4 days, but the child will need to wear a light head wrap for 2 to 3 weeks to promote healing. Scars are very light and located in the creases behind the ears. The decision on when to return to school or work and normal activities depends on how fast the child heals.

• Review Date: 11/10/2005
• Reviewed By: Edward W. Chang, MD, DDS, Director of Facial Plastics Surgery Education, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Columbia University-College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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