Otoplasty, or Ear Surgery, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.   Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the surgery can be done any time after that. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.   When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.   A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.   Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.   Ear surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure in a hospital. One day stay is usually necessary.   Types of Anaesthesia The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so the patient will sleep through the operation.   Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage is sculpted and bent back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.   Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing the cartilage.   The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so the patient will sleep through the operation.   Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.   With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage is sculpted and bent back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.   Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing the cartilage.   The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so the patient will sleep through the operation.   Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity.   Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear", when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear", which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear", when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.   More natural-looking ears Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly. Perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are you'll be quite pleased with the result.     Message All rights reserved 2007@ Dr. Shrirang Purohit