For many people, the embarrassment of having awkward looking ears that poke outward can result in a loss of confidence in professional and social situations. However, with today's advances in ear surgery, which is called Otoplasty, plastic surgeons can produce dramatic improvements in the appearance of your ears in just a few short hours.

Many women feel embarrassed about their ears because they believe they are too large. However, in most situations the problem actually is just a matter of the ears sticking out. This problem usually can be solved through surgical techniques that simply pin your ears closer to your head.

Most human's ears are fully grown by age four, so ear surgery is ideal for children who may encounter teasing from other kids as they begin their socialization process. In fact, most ear surgeries are performed on children ages 4 - 14. Ear surgery can as easily be performed on mature women, and having the surgery at an older age poses no additional risks.

How is the procedure done?
Surgical techniques for ear surgery will vary depending on the problem you want to correct. One of the more common techniques is for surgeons to make a small incision in the back of the ear that exposes the cartilage. Your surgeon will sculpt and shape the cartilage to the desired position, and then bend it back toward your head.

In most cases, nonremovable stitches will be used to maintain your new shape. To provide a more natural looking ear fold, your surgeon may remove a larger piece of cartilage when the procedure is completed.

Another technique your surgeon may choose is to make a smaller incision in the back of your ear. Skin is removed, instead of cartilage, and stitches are then used to fold the cartilage on to itself. This technique pulls the ear back flat against your head and enables your surgeon to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

The technique your physician uses will depend on your ear's current condition and the result you want to achieve. In most cases, the surgery leaves a light scar on the back side of your ear that will fade over time. To create a more balanced appearance, surgeons will normally operate on both ears even if only one ear is misshapen.

How do I prepare for this procedure?
Your surgeon will evaluate your ears and speak with you about the results you would like to achieve and recommend the most effective technique.

How long does the procedure take?
Ear surgeries generally take two to three hours to perform. However, procedures that are complicated in nature may take longer.

What form of anesthesia is used?
For ear operations performed on young patients, general anesthesia is normally used so the child remains still throughout the operation. For older children and grown women, surgeons will normally use local anesthesia and a sedative, which means you will be awake but very relaxed.

Can I return home the same day?
In most cases, ear surgery is performed on an outpatient basis (no overnight hospital stay is required) in a hospital or surgical suite in your physician's office. However, for more complicated procedures, your physician may recommend that you plan to stay over night in a hospital.

Surgeons also may recommend that children stay over night in a hospital even for simple procedures until all the effects from general anesthesia completely wear off.

What precautions should I take during my recovery?
You should be able to be up and around a few hours after your ear surgery. To promote healing and help maintain the new shape your surgeon has sculpted, your head will wrapped in a bulky bandage. You may experience some pain and throbbing in your ears for a few days. However, your surgeon should be able to provide you with medication that minimizes any discomfort. For certain procedures, your surgeon may place a drain in your ear that can usually be removed after one day.

After 3-5 days, your head bandage will be replaced with a lighter head dressing that is similar to a headband. Your surgeon will provide you with specific directions about how long you must wear this dressing and how to manage it while you sleep. After about a week, your stitches will be removed or be dissolved, depending on the style of stitching your surgeon has chosen.

Your physician will provide you with more specific recommendations and directions for your individual recovery.