Surgery of the ear (otoplasty), is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

If your child is young, a recommend general anesthesia may be recommended, so the child will sleep through the operation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed. Many ear surgery procedures (Otoplasty) are done at Dr. Barrera's fully equipped operating suite, under light sedation and local anesthesia, allowing the patient to go home the same day.

Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the top seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and, "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. It is even possible to build new ears!

Dr. Barrera and his staff will be glad to consult with you before you make the decision to have surgery.

Click here for a detailed description of your surgery of the ear (otoplasty)

Click here for before and after photos of ear surgeries performed by Dr. Barrera

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