Procedures

Otoplasty 

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Otoplasty is the medical term for ear surgery in which the doctor pins the ears back.  For the most part otoplasty is performed on children ages 4-14, but it is possible for adults to have the surgery also. 

There is no perfect age for the surgery, but it is best to wait until the child wants the surgery.  Children who feel uncomfortable about the appearance of their ears are much more cooperative during the process.  They are also more happy with the outcome.

The surgery  can be performed in our office.  We are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities.  Our operating room and recovery rooms are separate from the rest of the office and therefore provide you with both privacy and convenience.  During the surgery, Dr. Shienbaum is assisted by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist who will use IV sedation for your anesthesia.  You are given medication in your IV that allows you to fall asleep and remember very little.  There are no gases to inhale and you are breathing on your own.

A small incision is made along the back of the ear.  The ear cartilage is shaped and the ear is bent toward the head.  Sutures are used to help maintain the new shape.  In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.  A dressing is applied at the completion of the procedure.

You will have one on one care from our recovery room nurse who is absolutely wonderful at her job.  She will make sure you are warm and comfortable while she closely monitors your vital signs.  Usually we keep our patients about 1 1/2 hours after surgery until you have a chance to wake up good from the anesthesia.  Then, the nurse will help you dress and take you out to your family member or friend who is waiting to pick you up.  She will explain what care you will require at home.  That first night after your surgery, our recovery room nurse will call you and talk with either you or your caregiver to make sure you are doing well and do not have any questions.

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery.  There is minimal discomfort which is easily relieved with pain medication.  We encourage you to keep the bandage on for the first week on a continuous basis.  For some time thereafter it is best to keep it on whenever you are at home, and when sleeping. 

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