Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in Mt. Juliet, TN

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure performed at The Lett Center to reduce ear protrusion and correct other ear irregularities. This surgery can have a significant positive impact, especially for children who may face teasing due to prominent ears.

What is Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty is typically performed to bring the ears closer to the head, addressing issues like:

• Protruding or "stick out" ears
• Folded ear tips (lop ear)
• Misshapen or disproportionate earlobes
• Congenital ear defects
• Ear injuries

While often performed on children ages 4-14, adults can also benefit from ear surgery to enhance facial harmony and self-confidence.

The Ear Surgery Procedure

At The Lett Center, ear surgery is usually performed under:

• General anesthesia for children
• Local anesthesia for adults

The standard otoplasty procedure involves:

1. Making an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear
2. Reshaping the cartilage to position the ears closer to the head
3. Closing the incision

The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed.

Recovery After Ear Surgery

Following otoplasty at The Lett Center:

• Bandages will be wrapped around the head to secure the ears
• Bandages are usually removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings
• Patients should rest and limit movement to promote healing
• Minor pain can be managed with oral medication
• Complications are rare but can be minimized by following post-operative instructions

Long-Lasting Results

Many patients at The Lett Center report satisfaction with the long-term improvements to their appearance achieved through ear surgery.