Ear Surgery for Men or Otoplasty (correction of prominent ears), is a commonly performed plastic Surgery procedure in children and to a lesser extent in adults. It is designed to reduce large or protruding ears by setting them back closer to the head as well as correcting the shape of the ears to more aesthetically pleasing, natural & even appearance. Generally, Otoplasty is postponed until the ears have undergone most of their growth. This is usually at the preschool age but of course the operation can be performed at any age after that, even in adulthood.
Technique
The procedure is done in a fully accredited private hospital usually as a day procedure. An incision is made behind the ear. The ear cartilage is moulded to achieve the desired shape of the ear. Skin and cartilage may also have to be removed as needed. The incisions and the resulting scars are small and well concealed on the back of the ear and will fade to almost invisible depending on skin quality.
Timing
Generally ear surgery for men is postponed until the ears have undergone most of their growth. This is usually in the preschool age which also prevents the child being teased at school. Of course the operation can be performed at any age after that, even in adulthood.
Recovery
After the operation, the head is wrapped in a surgical garment (like bandages) which needs to stay intact for a week. After a week this is removed and a special Head band is worn at night for a month. You can expect the ears to have some bruising and swelling which generally subsides 1-2 weeks after operation and there may be some skin puckering that may take up from couple of weeks to a month to settle. It is usually recommended that patients take about 7-14 days off school or work, yet vigorous physical activity is discouraged within the first 4 weeks post operation.
Ear Surgery for Men Cost
Otoplasty has an Item number (although certain criteria needs to be met to get the item number) and patients will get a rebate from Medicare and their health fund if an item number is able to be used. Again, if patient qualifies for the item number, then the hospital costs should be covered by private health funds depending on the patients’ level and type of cover. At the first consultation Dr Safvat and his team will discuss all the costs associated with Otoplasty Surgery.
Complications
While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat and his team to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications such as risks associated with general anaesthetics, and mild to severe infection. Dr Safvat only operates at fully Accredited Hospitals and works with highly trained Anaesthetics accredited with The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) which minimises these risks.
You will be prescribed antibiotics upon discharge to minimise infection risk. With Otoplasty, although uncommon, there is risk of collection of blood (haematoma) in the ear. Irregularity of shape and noticeable asymmetry are other rare complications of Otoplasty which may require revision surgery.