What is otoplasty?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a corrective surgical procedure that changes the angle, size, or shape of the ears. It is performed to reduce the appearance of protruding ears, or to correct other issues such as asymmetry or large earlobes.
Otoplasty can involve a number of different techniques, subject to the needs of the patient. This can include surgical manipulation of skin and underlying tissue, cartilage grafting, or cartilage removal, in order to alter their shape and projection. Dr Matt Star will personalise the procedure to address your concerns.
What can ear surgery – otoplasty achieve?
Otoplasty surgery achieves a number of benefits for both men and women who are uncomfortable with the shape, size, or projection of their ears. In many cases, it involves reducing the cartilage in the ears to move them closer to the side of the head. The procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons to help the patient feel that their ears are in harmony with their other features.
Depending on which issues you are seeking to address, you may be a suitable candidate if you have:
- Ears that protrude
- Misshapen ears due to injury
- Large ears or earlobes
- Lopsided or misshapen ears
Each of these issues can be addressed with otoplasty surgery. No matter your reasons for seeking this procedure, your experienced surgeon will ensure the appropriate surgical methods are used for your case.
Am I a suitable candidate?
If you are concerned about ears that are protruding, large, or otherwise misshapen, this procedure could be a good solution for you. However, prior to surgery, we will need to discuss your health and concerns to make sure you are a suitable candidate. Generally, patients who undergo this surgery are in good health and do not have medical issues that would interfere with their results. It is important that patients have realistic expectations about their procedure and the potential outcomes.
In order to ensure you are a good candidate before proceeding, we will ask you questions about your health and medical past. Knowing more about your health and concerns will help us determine the right treatment plan for you.
Consultation with Dr Matt Starr
Before your procedure, we will need to consult with you to discuss your concerns and expectations for surgery. During this meeting, you will be able to express why you are seeking ear surgery and what outcomes you hope to achieve. We will also examine your ear condition to clarify your areas of concern. This will allow us to customise your treatment to your needs and produce an outcome that complements your facial structure and features.
You are welcome to ask any questions about your procedure to gain a clear idea of your options and potential outcomes. Dr Starr will endeavour to provide quality guidance and care through the entire process.
The procedure
Otoplasty surgery is performed with either local or general anaesthesia. There are different methods for reshaping the ears, depending on your requirements.
In the case of protruding ears, the surgeon will typically make incisions at the back of the ear, so as to be hidden from view. If incisions in the front of the ears are necessary, Dr Starr will take care to place them in the natural ear creases, although they may still be visible. Once the incisions are made, the cartilage will be manipulated and reshaped according to the patient’s needs and desired ear shape. This may include adding or remodelling cartilage in order to produce the desired appearance. The surgeon may also manipulate the shape by folding the cartilage and stitching it in place.
Afterwards, your surgeon will close your incisions with external sutures, taking care to preserve the desired appearance. The procedure can take around two hours to complete, and there will be a period of recovery.
Recovery & aftercare
After surgery, you will need to arrange for a friend to drive you home. Patients will have their heads wrapped in a bandage to protect the ears during the healing phase. You will need to wear this for up to 10 days. Additionally, your surgeon will also prescribe instructions on how to take proper care of your healing ears. Following these instructions is important, as it will help your body recover. For example, your surgeon may advise you to do the following:
- Take prescribed medication
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Maintain a healthy diet and drinks lots of water
- Avoid smoking and alcohol to optimise your recovery
- Refrain from strenuous exercise until you have fully healed
- Avoid further trauma to the ears
- Take time off work to rest and heal
Recovery times can vary, but most otoplasty patients will need to take one to two weeks off work. For most patients, it takes several months for the swelling to completely subside. This means you should expect to see the full results of the procedure within three to six months afterwards.
What are the risks associated with otoplasty?
It is common to have some swelling and pain after surgery, and your incision areas may feel particularly sensitive. These are normal effects of surgery, and we can help you manage any pain with medication.
Although mild side effects are common, you should consult your surgeon if you notice any severe issues or complications after surgery. For example, the cartilage in your ears is very elastic, which means there may be some movement of your ears after surgery and they may not match perfectly. There are also medical risks to be aware of, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Healing Issue
- Changes in skin sensation
- Ongoing pain
We will discuss these risks with you before your surgery so that you are well-informed about your desired procedure. Adherence to your aftercare advice will help you avoid these complications.
