Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Brow Lift Surgery sets prominent ears back closer to the head and/or reduces the size of large ears.

Enhance your results by combining this procedure with:

• Quick Facts about Ear Surgery

  * Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia, combined with a sedative

  * Duration of the procedure: 2 hs

  * Hospital stay: not required - outpatient

  * Recovery time / time back to work: 6 days

  * Incisions: hidden behind the ear

  * Results: Reduces the size of and/or remodels the ear into a more symmetrical and aesthetically-pleasing shape and position.

• The Surgical Procedure

  Ear surgery usually takes about two 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. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it 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.

  A brow lift is most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

  Brow lifts are often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a younger and smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may also be performed at the same time as a brow lift, especially if a patient has significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids.

  Patients who are bald, have a receding hairline, or who have had previous upper-eyelid surgery may still be good candidates for a brow lift. The surgeon will simply alter the incision location or perform a more conservative operation.

  *Anesthesia

  Local anesthesia, combined with a sedative.

• Recovery and Time Back to Work

  Post-Op Recovery Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote proper healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved with medication. Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so.

  Time Back to Work 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.

• Uncertainty and Risk

  When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced 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.

The information provided on surgeryBA.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her physician. Individual results may vary according to each patient's individual objectives, health, and circumstances. The information provided here stems from our professional experience with patients and from our doctor's advise.