Ears

Otoplasty is most often performed on children however it is suited to anyone troubled by the appearance of their ears, no matter what their age.

How is otoplasty surgery performed?

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision at the back of the ear so that the cartilage is exposed. The cartilage is then sculpted and bent back, pulling the ears closer to the head and making them less noticeable.

Typical timeline for an otoplasty procedure:

• The procedure usually takes one hour.
• In young children it is usually performed under general anaesthetic. In older children and adults, a general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation may be used.
• After the surgery, a bandage is wrapped around the patient’s head to help with moulding and healing. This stays on for approximately a week.
• A lighter and smaller headband is usually worn during sleep for the next two to three weeks.
• In most cases the incision leaves a faint scar at the back of the ear, which fades over time.
• You can usually return to work/school after five to seven days but strenuous activity or contact sports must be avoided for a few weeks.

What are the risks of ear surgery?

All procedures carries risks. You need to weigh up the potential benefits with the risks.

Risks apply to all forms of major surgery and include infection, bleeding, an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic and scarring.

Your Surgeon will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after surgery, in your consultation.