5131 River Club Drive, Suite 110, Suffolk, VA 23435

Ear Surgery

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Evaluation

Your overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the clinical outcome and the personal satisfaction of ear surgery. Safety and the success of ear surgery requires an honest discussion with children about what they will experience and what is expected of them. Regardless of age, it is essential that you:

  • Honestly share expectations for you or your child with Dr. Guarda
  • Fully disclose health history, current medications and the use of vitamins
  • Commit to following all of Dr. Guarda’s instructions precisely
  • Adults disclose the use of herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco or drugs

Safety

By making the decision to consult with Dr. Guarda and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in assuring your safety or the safety of your child. Dr. Guarda is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery®. This certification designates Dr. Guarda expertise in plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Each case of ear surgery is highly individual, as is the delicate and highly individual anatomy of the ear. Through an analysis of ear axis and positioning on the head, ear size and angle of protrusion, Dr. Guarda will tailor a technique to precisely correct the exact features that are disproportionate or deformed. Repositioning protruding ears is the most common form of ear surgery performed. It is widely performed with a good record of safety and fulfilling your goals. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, ear surgery may be performed on both ears to achieve a more balanced result. Just as all of our faces are asymmetric to some degree, results of ear surgery may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create an ear as normal in structure and balanced in proportion to other facial features as possible. Surgery for constricted ear and other deformities may use similar techniques as correction for protruding ears, in addition to other methods. These more complex techniques often utilize conchal cartilage that would otherwise be discarded, as a graft to support and shape the restructured ear. A secondary procedure to obtain an optimal result maybe necessary. An individualized plan is always required to define goals and achieve desired results. Treatment of microtia involves an individualized surgical plan that may require multiple procedures to achieve desired results. While the goal is to create a normal appearing external ear, ear reconstruction may be combined with other surgery to improve your hearing. Where cartilage – the flexible, bone-like structure that forms the outer ear – is badly misshapen or too little exists to create a more normal ear, reconstruction may require cartilage grafts. These are typically taken from the existing ear structure or from your ribs. Ear surgery revision is sometimes requested by adults who are dissatisfied with a prior surgery. This may include an unnatural appearance, over-correction where ears appear to be sharply “pinned” back and irregularities of the ear folds. Concern with residual earlobe prominence is also common. Dr. Guarda will carefully explain the ear surgery you or your child will undergo. Prior to your procedure, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure Dr. Guarda that you fully understand the procedure you or your child will undergo, and any risks and potential complications. Risks associated with ear surgery include infection, blood clot or a collection of blood at the incision site and risks associated with anesthesia. It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Guarda. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with Dr. Guarda. Ear surgery may be performed in an accredited officebased surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. General anesthesia is recommended in cases involving children, so that your child will sleep comfortably through the procedure. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. In any case, Dr. Guarda and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

Following Surgery

Bandages or dressings will be applied to keep the surgical site clean, protect it from trauma and to support the new position of the ear during initial healing. Before being released following surgery, you or an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • How to care for the surgical site
  • Keeping bandages or dressings intact
  • Medications to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
  • When to follow up with Dr. Guarda
  • Progress and healing

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery. A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as the day following surgery, as long as the ears are protected. Children should refrain from rough or aggressive play until healing is complete. The dressing will be removed by Dr. Guarda 5 to 7 days following ear surgery. The surgical wound will be cleansed and any external stitches will be removed. You will be instructed on how to care for incision sites. Healing will continue for several weeks and incision lines will slowly refine and fade. Continue to follow Dr. Guarda’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

A consultation with Dr. Guarda is the first step to ear surgery for you or your child. Your consultation with Dr. Guarda fully educates you in a non-pressured environment and include:

  • A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
  • The options available to correct your or your child’s ear condition
  • The prescribed course of treatment Dr. Guarda recommends
  • The likely outcomes of ear surgery and potential risks
  • Associated with any prescribed procedure

Dr. Guarda will also answer your questions. The outcome of surgery to correct protruding ears is present almost immediately. Children accept their improved appearance quite quickly and a positive change in self-esteem can rapidly develop. It may take several months for swelling to completely subside and incision lines to refine and fade. During this time, proper skin care and diligent sun protection are essential. In addition, your ears should be protected from extreme cold or injury. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in phases and feelings of fulfillment will increase as the ears assume their new shape.