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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in West Island, Montreal


Otoplasty ear surgery Montreal

  • Length: 30-60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: general or local with sedation
  • In/Outpatient: outpatient
  • Side Effects: swelling, post-operative discomfort
  • Risks: blood clots, infection
  • Recovery:

    Return to work: within 7 days
    Return to school: within 7 days
    Light exercise: 10 days
    Swelling completely resolves: several weeks

The goal of ear surgery is to reduce oversized ears or bring protruding ears closer to the head. Dr. Benchetrit performs this surgery on adults who wish to have ears that are more esthetic and proportional. If you are embarrassed about oversized or protruding ears Dr. Benchetrit invites you to schedule a consultation at his Montreal plastic surgery practice by calling 514-695-7450.

The Ear Surgery Consultation

During your ear surgery consultation, Dr. Benchetrit will ask about your reasons for seeking ear surgery. He will evaluate your ears, and will inquire about medical history, previous surgeries and any medications that you take. He will outline a recommended treatment plan based around the goal of surgery.

After determining that you are a suitable candidate for ear surgery, Dr. Benchetrit will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including any medications to avoid and what you can expect on the day of surgery. You are encouraged to ask any questions you have at any point during your consultation.

Ear Surgery Techniques

In addition to correcting protruding or prominently sized ears, ear surgery can also address a variety of other ear problems — for example:

  • lop ear
  • cupped ear
  • shell ear
  • large or stretched earlobes
  • enlarged earring holes
  • lobes with large creases or wrinkles

For protruding ears (prominauris) Dr. Benchetrit will make the surgical incision in the back of the ear and expose the ear cartilage. He will sculpt it into the desired size and position and, if necessary, remove excess cartilage and/or skin. When he has finished making the surgical modifications, Dr. Benchetrit may place non-removable stitches in the ear to maintain its new shape. Finally, he will wrap the head in a bulky bandage to promote the best molding and healing.

Dr. Benchetrit focuses on using surgical techniques that leave minimal scarring, if any, and may recommend a protocol of certain dressings and ointments for optimal results. He also uses self-dissolving sutures so you don’t have to worry about having any stitches removed.

The Day of Ear Surgery

Ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center. An anesthesiologist will handle the administration of anesthesia so you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. The surgery usually takes less than an hour, after which you will relax in a recovery suite before being released. If you are having the surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home and look after you for your first day or so of recovery.

For more minor procedures like repairing an enlarged or torn earlobe, this is usually done right in our clinic under local anesthesia. These procedures take 15 or 20 minutes and patients can go back to their usual activities right away.

Recovering from Ear Surgery

For the longer procedures the ears may be sore for a few days after surgery, but any pain can be controlled with prescription medication. You will need to first wear the surgical bandage for several days and then replace it with a lighter head dressing (resembling a headband). Dr. Benchetrit recommends avoiding any activities in which the ears could be bent for about a month. You will likely be able to return to work six or seven days after surgery.  Complete ear surgery recovery varies by patient but typically takes four to eight weeks.

Why Choose Dr. Benchetrit For Your Surgery?

Dr. Benchetrit is an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of ear surgeries of all types. He is board-certified, familiar with the latest technologies and techniques, and has obtained a very high degree of satisfaction for his patients. Dr. Benchetrit spends a lot of time in the consultation process explaining the different options and helping the patient select the right procedure for their desired result.

Schedule an Ear Surgery Consultation

Considering ear surgery for yourself? Contact plastic surgery Montreal provider Arie Benchetrit for more information about what the procedure can accomplish. Call 514-695-7450 or email our practice today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otoplasty

Q: What can ear surgery do for me?

A: Ear surgery can treat:

  • Overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia
  • Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss
  • Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery

Q: Is ear surgery right for me or my child?

A: Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

  • Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
  • Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
  • Cooperative and follow instructions well
  • Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Q: Will I be able to see my ear surgery results right away?
A: Ear surgery offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear.  The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time.

Q: What are the restrictions after surgery?
A: The main restriction is the avoidance of strenuous activity, which includes vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for one week. Other maneuvers that increase the pressure in the head are also to be avoided. These include straining and bending forward. Otherwise, patients may carry out usual activities.