Otoplasty (Ear)
Otoplasty (also called ear surgery or ear pinning) involves re-positioning or reshaping the ears. The procedure is especially effective for:
- Fixing unusual or protruding ears
- Reshaping oversized earring holes
- Completely redesigning the ear due to trauma or cancer
- Refining protruding or large ears
- Creating more proportional, symmetrical and attractive ears
- Restoring confidence and self-esteem
- Repairing the ear lobe.
Otoplasty incisions are usually made behind the ear so the scarring is barely visible once healed. Ear surgery usually requires wrapping a bandage around the ears and head for up to one week after the procedure.
Some possible complications and risks associated with ear surgery may include:
- Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
- The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site, which may require drainage
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars – raised, thickened scars that may form over the healed incisions. These may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
- Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
- Asymmetrical ears – further surgery may be necessary to correct symmetry problems or irregularities in the cartilage
- Re-protrusion of one or both ears – may occur and require further surgery
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the skin around the surgical site and the surface of the ear
- Small areas of skin overlying the cartilage of the ear may die, causing an ulcer that may take several weeks to heal.
Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?
Ideal candidates are those who wish to change the shape or proportion of their ears, and are realistic about the expected outcome of the procedure. Most patients who are in good overall health are medically able to undergo ear-reshaping surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
Otoplasty is performed with either local or general anaesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours, during which time both ears will be corrected to ensure the most symmetrical, natural-looking result. The surgeon will make small incisions behind or in the skin creases of the ears. Through these incisions, the natural skin and cartilage can be trimmed, augmented, or recontoured. If prominent ears are a concern, internal sutures are used to reposition the ears closer to the head.
What can I expect after surgery?
You can return home after recovering from anaesthesia, though you will need someone to drive you. Following the surgery, some tenderness or discomfort is expected. Side effects such as swelling, bruising, and redness are common, and typically last about a week. The layer of surgical dressing over your ears may interfere with your hearing temporarily, though the surgery itself will not affect your ability to hear.
What can I do following surgery?
During the first week following surgery, wear a shirt that buttons and sleep on your back, with your head and neck elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid bending over, which increases pressure in the ear area. Most patients are back to work or school within a week to ten days, though strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for a month.
What will I look like after surgery?
Immediately following otoplasty, your ears will be wrapped in surgical gauze with a soft headband to protect them and keep the gauze in place. Your ears will be swollen and bruised, but because they are covered, you may not notice this effect immediately.
Important note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
