Perhaps you are self-conscious about prominent ears that stick out from the side of your head. Maybe heavy earrings have slowly split your earlobes so that you can no longer wear earrings. Ear surgery may be right for you.

Your Initial Consultation

Dr. Schaefer will spend time with you to fully explain his recommendations for you and answer all of your questions. During your consultation, he will perform a thorough medical analysis and devise a plan based on your specific anatomy and goals.

Every aspect of your procedure will be customized depending on your specific needs and anesthetic goals. Dr. Schaefer and his staff will make sure you are fully prepared for the procedure and know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect from Ear Surgery

Split earlobes are simple procedures that can be planned in our procedure room. These are typically done under local anesthesia without sedation. The area is cleansed and injected with a numbing agent. The split in the earlobe is excised and the skin in the front and the back of the earlobe is sutured closed. You will go home the same day after your procedure without the need for any pain medication. Typically, some of the sutures that are placed will need to be removed 5-7 days after the surgery.

Surgery for prominent ears may require general anesthesia. You will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Incisions are made behind the ear and the cartilage is molded and sutured to decrease the prominence of your ear. The incisions are closed with sutures and bandages are applied.

Recovery from Ear Surgery

You can expect to have some swelling and bruising following ear surgery. You may get some drainage the first several days. You will have regular postoperative examinations so that Dr. Schaefer can monitor your progress. Scarring will gradually improve over a period of months and will look less prominent with time. Strenuous physical activity may need to be limited for a short period of time.

Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform Ear Surgery

Choosing the right surgeon for ear surgery is of paramount importance. It is vital for your plastic surgeon to have the right qualifications and credentials, such as board certification and good standing with the various medical boards.

You also want to be sure that your surgeon has professional, friendly, and caring support staff. These people will assist you while in the office and during your recovery, so it is essential to feel comfortable with the entire team.

Do your research to learn as much as possible about your surgeon. Then, arrive at your ear surgery consultation prepared with questions, concerns, and your ultimate goals written down.

Why Choose Dr Schaefer As Your Ear Surgeon?

With his careful planning and problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer customizes his strategy so that your surgery is specifically designed for your body and goals. Dr. Schaefer is known for his work in the Minneapolis community in helping patients feel better and restore their self-confidence. He has been honored as a BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine, as well as a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.