Otoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure that corrects prominent ears in children. Adults can also undergo surgery but it’s not always as common. The surgery aims to reduce large or protruding ears by setting them back closer to the head. Correcting the shape of the ears so that they are more aesthetically pleasing is also an option. Generally, otoplasty is postponed until the ears have undergone most of their growth. This is usually at the preschool age. The operation can be performed at any age after that, even in adulthood.
Protruding ears can negatively affect a child’s school years, which is why many parents choose to schedule the surgery as soon as it’s possible. In adults, protruding ears can cause them emotional distress in both personal and professional situations.
Otoplasty has a high patient satisfaction rate, particularly when it’s performed by an experienced surgeon such as Dr Safvat. Dr Safvat ensures quality results by only operating at fully accredited Sydney hospitals.
Otoplasty Technique
Otoplasty surgery is performed in a fully accredited private hospital, usually as a day procedure. In the case of children, a general anaesthetic is usually preferred.
To complete the 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 otoplasty scars are small and well concealed on the back of the ear. Any scarring will fade to almost invisible depending on skin quality. The average otoplasty procedure generally takes about two hours to complete.
If the procedure is performed on an adult and a general anaesthetic is used, someone will need to drive them home from the hospital.
Recovery
After the operation, the head is wrapped in a surgical garment (like bandages), which needs to stay intact for around a week. After a week this is removed and a special headband is worn at night for a month. The bandages and headband will keep the ears in place and protected until they’re fully healed.
You can expect the ears to have some bruising and swelling, which generally subsides one to two weeks after surgery. There may also be some skin puckering that can take a couple of weeks to a month to settle.
It is usually recommended that patients take about 7-14 days off school or work. Any vigorous physical activity is discouraged within the first 4 weeks post-operation. Any activities that could injure the ears after surgery are discouraged in general. This is mostly contact sports such as rugby and boxing.
Patients can also expect some numbness in the area following surgery but sensation gradually returns over the course of two to three months.
The results of the surgery are immediate but it will take some time for the swelling to subside. This is when you will see the final results of the procedure. The results of otoplasty surgery are permanent, provided the ears are not injured again after surgery.
Otoplasty FAQs
How much does otoplasty cost?
Otoplasty has an item number for those that are under 18 years of age. In adults, Otoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and no rebates will be available from Medicare or Private Health Funds. If the item number is applicable, patients will get a rebate from Medicare and their health fund and the hospital costs should be covered by private health funds. This will depend on the patients’ level and type of cover though. At the first consultation, Dr Safvat and his team will assess your eligibility for the item number and discuss all the costs associated with otoplasty surgery.
Are there any otoplasty complications I should know about?
While every care is taken by Dr Safvat and his team to minimise or avoid complications, there will always be risks. 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 anaesthetists accredited with The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). This minimises many of the risks.
Dr Safvat will prescribe antibiotics upon discharge to minimise infection risks. With otoplasty, although uncommon, there is a 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. Dr Safvat will ensure you know about all potential complications prior to undergoing this procedure.
Can my earlobes be repaired at the same time?
Yes, it’s very common for patients to pair an otoplasty procedure with earlobe repair. Age, heavy earrings and injury can cause the earlobes to stretch or even tear. To repair the earlobes, any excess skin is removed and any torn areas are stitched back together. There may be some slight scarring on the earlobes but it’s barely noticeable. The scars will fade over time too.
Is otoplasty and pinnaplasty different?
If you’ve come across the term ‘pinnaplasty’, you may be wondering how it’s different to otoplasty. The answer is that it’s not. Pinna simply refers to the part of the ear that projects past the head. Plasty refers to the art of moulding and reshaping the ear.
If I had otoplasty as a child and my ears are still permanent, can I have a second surgery?
If for any reason you are still not happy with the appearance of your ears, it is possible to undergo a second otoplasty procedure. Before you do, it’s best to speak to Dr Safvat about your expectations. All too often, it’s the expectations about what can be achieved that leaves patients unsatisfied with their results. Secondary procedures are also common among those who injured their ears again later in life. As long as you are physically healthy and know what can be achieved, there’s no reason why you can’t undergo a second procedure.