Ear Surgery in North Andover, MA & Nashua, NH

Initial recovery from otoplasty is relatively fast. There may be some slight discomfort and swelling for a few days to a few weeks. This can be handled through medications provided by or recommended by our office. Following all of Dr. Chatson’s instructions can help reduce the risk of lasting discomfort.

While results may be visible within one to two weeks, it may take around six for your ears to fully heal. During this time, some limitations may be placed on activities to help reduce the risk of unsatisfactory results and ensure the most positive healing response. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Chatson will provide individual instructions and help you determine when it is safe to resume specific activities.

Following otoplasty, your ears will be ideally sized for the shape of your head and complementary to surrounding facial features. This procedure reshapes and resizes the ears, making them less obtrusive and more uniform, and helping to create a comfortable and natural-looking aesthetic.

Otoplasty comes with general surgical risks such as infection, bleeding, poor reactions to anesthesia, and loss of skin sensation. All of Dr. Chatson’s ear surgery procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities where your safety and comfort are top priorities. This can help reduce risks, but will not eliminate them. You can further reduce your risks for general surgical complications by following all of the pre and postoperative instructions provided by our office.

Risks specific to otoplasty include overcorrection and unsatisfactory results. These risks can be reduced by choosing to work with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Chatson, who takes all the time necessary to plan and perform the procedure.

Incisions leave scars. This is an unavoidable aspect of surgery. However, the incisions for otoplasty are both incredibly small and carefully hidden in the natural folds of the ears, making them all but invisible following recovery.

You can help prevent thick and visible scars through proper incision care, avoiding nicotine and blood thinners, and carefully following all of the pre and postoperative advice provided by our office.

When discussing ear surgery with your child, your explanation must be honest, supportive, and age-appropriate. Use positive language and emphasize how the procedure can help them feel more confident and comfortable. Let them know the surgery is safe and that many children undergo it to feel better about their appearance. Reassure them that the doctor is there to help, and explain that they will be asleep during the surgery and cared for every step of the way.

Discomfort and mild pain are normal, especially during the first few days after ear surgery. However, this is typically manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Children may also experience swelling, tenderness, or itchiness as the ears heal. Most discomfort significantly decreases within the first week, and parents will have clear instructions to ensure their child stays comfortable during recovery.

Ear surgery is often performed on both ears, even if only one appears more prominent. This is to ensure symmetry and balance between the ears. However, if only one ear is affected, the surgeon may operate on that ear alone, carefully shaping it to match the opposite side.

Yes, ear surgery can correct asymmetrical ears by reshaping and repositioning them for a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Surgeons use precise measurements and techniques to match both ears as closely as possible, although perfect symmetry is not always achievable due to natural anatomical differences.

Yes, the results of ear surgery are generally permanent. Once the ears heal, they typically maintain their new position and shape for life. However, long-term results also depend on proper healing, post-operative care, and avoiding ear trauma.

Yes, otoplasty can address all of these concerns. Surgeons can reshape the ear's cartilage to create a more natural contour, pin back ears that protrude from the head, and even reduce the size of overly large ears (a condition known as macrotia). The procedure is customized based on the patient's anatomy and goals to achieve a balanced, harmonious look.