Joan,
Otoplasty can be done as early as 4-5 year old. We usually prefer for the child to be around 5 however so that they are a little more mature and can be compliant with wearing their dressings and incision care. Otoplasty is performed in an outpatient surgery center with a general anesthesia for young children. They are escorted back to the operating room after having oral sedation and given a gas to breath. Once sleepy an IV is started and they are then comfortable and don’t remember a thing. The procedure is performed by making an incision in the crease behind the ear and removing a small amount of skin. The cartilage is then shaped with sutures into the appropriate configuration. A dressing is worn for three days followed by a headband for a week all day and at night for the rest of the month. Otoplasty is tolerated very well and the results when performed correctly are reliable and provide great satisfaction to both patient and surgeon. We have some examples of otoplasty on our website and encourage you to review them. We would also be happy to see you and your daughter in consultation at any time.
Ed Buckingham
