Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from aesthetic ear surgery are infrequent. Every year, many successful cosmetic ear surgeries are performed, without experiencing any major problem.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office. The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, need for revisions, unsatisfactory results possibly necessitating additional procedures and medical risks.

Sutures may be visible or may even break allowing for partial or complete recurrence of the protrusion and / or loss of the ear fold. Irregularities, sharp folds and other shape abnormalities may ensue.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your ear surgery.

Risks of Surgery

One of many surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the appearance of your ear(s). The particular technique that your plastic surgeon recommends will depend on the nature of the problem and many other factors including your desires. Because of individual factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from ear surgery. Your plas tic surgeon will select the surgical technique that he or she feels will obtain the best outcome for you.

If your problem is protruding ears, the supporting tissue of the ears, called cartilage, is reshaped in order to position your ears closer to your head. This usually is accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears. Subsequent scars will be concealed in the natural skin crease. In some cases, especially in ears that need to be reduced in size or are protruding in the middle 1/3 of the ear, external incision of the front (outside surface) of the ear will be necessitated. Usually these are placed in areas where they will heal in a more inconspicuous manner. In ear reductions, skin as well as cartilage will most often need to be removed.

Otoplasty Risks and Possible Complications

Cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty), like any other plastic surgery procedure, involves risks; however, with otoplasty, complications are usually minimal. The risks or complications associated with both reconstructive and cosmetic ear surgery include:

Infection

Infection of the skin and cartilage is one of the most common otoplasty complications. It also poses the greatest threat to the success of the procedure. Should an infection develop after cosmetic ear surgery, it is generally relieved with an antibiotic medication. If the infection results in the formation of scar tissue, a very rare complication, then it may be necessary to address the area surgically.

Blood Clots

The formation of a blood clot in the ear is another possible risk of cosmetic ear surgery. A very infrequent complication, blood clots can be removed with a needle or may simply dissolve naturally. If the patient experiences prolonged swelling and bleeding, then the surgeon should be contacted immediately to ensure that the ear is healing properly.

Overcorrection

When cosmetic or reconstructive ear surgery is performed by an inexperienced or poorly-skilled surgeon, the potential risk of overcorrection of the ears is elevated. Otoplasty overcorrection complications include:

Placing the ears too close to the head
Contour distortions
Inadequate correction
Asymmetric correction

The risk of overcorrection can be greatly reduced by choosing a physician with extensive training and proven results.

Loosening of Sutures

A risk commonly faced by children that have undergone otoplasty is the loosening of sutures. Often a result of boisterous activity or inattention to bandaging, loosened or popped sutures may cause the ear to return to its original shape or position. Carefully following the surgeon’s post-operational instructions can prevent this from occurring.

Hearing Loss

Many ear surgery patients wonder whether there is a risk of hearing loss associated with otoplasty. Complications of this kind are extremely rare, and are almost never seen. Distortion of the auditory canal, through major changes of the concha, can cause alterations in hearing. However, a highly skilled cosmetic ear surgeon is able to evaluate the possibility of such a risk and take the necessary steps to avoid any hearing damage.