What are the risks of ear surgery?

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of ear surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo, the alternatives and the most likely risks and potential complications.

Possible ear surgery risks include:

• Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• Anesthesia risks
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Change in skin sensation
• Infection
• Pain, which may persist
• Poor wound healing
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration/swelling
• Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Ear surgery may be performed in your board-certified plastic surgeon's accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.