WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

This surgery is most commonly performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen, however can be performed on adults just as effectively. Ears are almost fully grown by the age of 14, and the earlier that the surgery is performed, the less teasing your child may have to endure.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A referral will be required to proceed with a consultation for an Otoplasty.

Medical patients: Otoplasty can only be performed for medical reasons if the patient is under the age of 18. If medicare criteria is met, surgery can attract Medicare rebates and a percentage of your Surgeon’s, Anaesthetist’s and Hospital fees may be claimed from both Medicare and your private health fund, if you have private health cover. 
At your initial consultation you or your child’s ears will be assessed and your surgeon will be able to determine whether the procedure is suitable for you and the outcome favourable. Each case is different, and in many cases, ear shape varies from left to right.
Be frank in your discussion with your Surgeon, remembering to mention any medications that you or your child are taking and whether or not you are a smoker (if the surgery is for yourself). You may require a second or even third consultation with your Surgeon to enable you to fully understand this procedure, the risks associated with it and your expectations from the surgery. 

Following this consultation, you can consult further with our Cosmetic Consultants who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them.

Cosmetic procedures: Cosmetic patients (including all adults considering this surgery) are not eligible for medical or healthcare rebates.

You will have two consultations at our Practice. At the initial consultation, you will undertake an assessment for Body Dysmorphia, a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects. At this appointment you will also be given the paperwork for your possible surgery and go through this with our practitioner, discussing the procedure and associated risks and recovery requirements. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.

At your second Consultation, your ears will be assessed and your surgeon will be able to determine whether the procedure is suitable for you and the outcome favourable. Each case is different, and in many cases, ear shape varies from left to right.

Following this consultation, you can consult further with our Cosmetic Consultants who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them.

SURGERY

Otoplasty can be performed under Local Anaesthetic in our Rooms or as Day surgery or Inpatient Procedure in a Hospital. We recommend a General Anaesthetic for young children undergoing this surgery as it is less traumatic for the child in the long term. The surgery itself takes from one to two hours, although complicated procedures take longer.
In the most common technique, a small incision is made at the back of the ear, exposing the cartilage in the ear. This cartilage is then sculpted and bent back towards the head. The skin is tightened and re-sutured in place, a dressing is applied and a firm bandage is applied around the head to hold the ears in their new position.
Surgical correction of other ear deformities such as ‘lop ear’ or ‘shell ear’, or for reduction of large or unequal ears is also possible, addressing cartilage or skin as required. Ear Reconstruction can also be undertaken for those who were born without them or to replace those lost in an accident. Your Surgeon can explain these individual procedures at your consultation with him.

RISK

All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different.
Complications in the short term include infection, which is treated with antibiotics; haematoma (a collection of fluid near the sutures) which is best managed with continued bandaging and ice packs; and pain and discomfort, which can be managed by adequate medication.
Long-term complications include asymmetry, visible and thick scarring, further deformity and need for re-operation to correct this deformity. Rarely, infection can spread to the ear cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. These and any other complications specific to this surgery will be discussed during your consultation with your Surgeon. Be sure that you understand your surgery and any risks associated with this surgery, before proceeding.

AFTER SURGERY – recovery

Otoplasty has a significant recovery timeframe and limitations and aftercare requirements. You will have an opportunity to discuss recovery expectations with your Surgeon at your Consultation and will receive detailed information prior to surgery in your Informed Consent paperwork.

Post-operative pain is normally minimal after 12 – 24 hours.  If pain persists the Surgeon should be consulted, as this may be an early sign of complications developing.  I have been advised not to take ASPIRIN or Aspirin related products in the post-operative period.

To be able to reduce the risk of fluid accumulating under the skin, a fairly bulky and tight bandage will be used which needs to be kept in place for one to two weeks.  This may cause some discomfort, particularly in hot weather.  This bandage is to be worn day and night for the first week. Our team will then inform you as to the pattern of wear over the following weeks.

The ears will look a little swollen and bruised when the bandages are first removed.  Patients commonly experience some numbness and abnormality in the feeling of touch over the skin of the ear.  It should generally return over the new few months.  Bruising about the ears and neck may be present and persist for one to two weeks.  Some numbness can be permanent.

Adults and children are up and about on the same day as Otoplasty surgery. Most adults can return to work after forty-eight hours, however you may prefer to wait until after the bandages have been removed during the day at ten to twelve days. Children can return to school after about a week, if they are careful about playground activities. Any activity where the ear may be bent should be avoided for a month or so.
In most cases, Otoplasty will leave a faint scar behind the ear which will fade with time and which can easily be disguised through hairstyles.