There are potential risks with any form of surgery and ear correction surgery is no exception. Bleeding or an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic can cause problems. Rarely, some patients develop a blood clot in the ear; this often dissolves naturally but it may need to be drawn out using a needle. An infection in the cartilage of the ear after otoplasty can lead to the formation of unwanted scar tissue. Prompt antibiotic treatment is used to minimise the effects of any infection but occasionally it may be necessary to drain the infected area.
It is important to bear in mind that these complications are relatively rare, but the ear plastic surgery information from your surgeon will explain the risks of the operation in detail.
Ear correction surgery also has some side effects, most of which are short-lived. Many people feel sick and dizzy for a few hours after waking up from the anaesthetic. If you are having surgery as a day patient, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for twenty-four hours after the operation.
For the first days the ears may throb and feel painful but this can be reduced by mild painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The bandage can feel bulky and uncomfortable and the ears may itch as they heal. Scratching can introduce infection and adults should ignore any itchy feelings. Children need to be heavily discouraged from scratching.
It is common for the ears to feel different – more or less sensitive in places, or even numb, for about one year after ear correction surgery. It also takes about six months after otoplasty for the ears to settle down to their final shape and size. Scarring is usually minimal and will hidden from view behind the ear. Rarely, raised keloid scars can form and further surgery may be required to reduce them.
It is also rare, but still possible, that the ears will be asymmetrical after cosmetic ear surgery, and unacceptable to the patient. In a very few people, the ears spring back to their previous position. Both of these problems can be corrected by a subsequent operation.
For most people the risks are minimal, but if you are at all concerned ask your surgeon for more detailed ear correction surgery information.
