Otoplasty

Dr. Stallworth always uses general or local anesthesia during the surgery, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. As you recover, you might feel some discomfort around your ears, but you can take prescribed pain medications to help alleviate this. There is often a combination of soreness and numbness, but the discomfort is rarely very painful.

Your first appointment will be a consultation with Dr. Stallworth to set expectations and establish a treatment plan to prepare for the surgery. You will only need one surgical appointment, but several follow-up appointments are necessary to have your sutures removed and your healing progress checked.

You will see a noticeable improvement in the shape and position of your ears immediately after your surgery, though swelling may hide some of the results. Everyone heals at a different pace, but most patients see their final results within 3-6 months following their surgery.

After your otoplasty, you can take short car rides within 2-4 days, provided you are no longer taking pain medication. Longer car rides should be broken up with short walks to maintain circulation and avoid swelling.

Traveling by air requires a little more waiting. We recommend waiting about 1-2 weeks before flying, as cabin pressure can cause increased swelling and discomfort.

When you get otoplasty, you may encounter some of the following risks:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Sensitivity and soreness
• Unfavorable scarring
• Infection
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Change in skin sensation
• Asymmetry
• Dissatisfaction with results