Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears
back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.
The operation is commonly done on children over age 4. Ears are almost
fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing
and ridicule the child will have to endure. Such teasing doesn't usually
start until children enter primary school, and develop a concept of
peer group normality. Ear surgery on adults is also performed and
there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery
on an older patient.
If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this
web site will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when
it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.
It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your
individual circumstances
If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail you enquiries
or freecall us on 18000 80001 to take advantage of our free consultation..
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
When ear surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon complications
are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation,
there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications
associated with this procedure.
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear,
this may may dissolve naturally with time, or may need to be drawn
out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop an infection in
the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections
are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required
to drain the infected area. Assymmetry or difference between the two
sides, may occasionally be noticeable, and might rarely need further
surgery. Numbness of parts of the ear may also occur.
Planning for surgery
Your surgeon recommends that parents stay alert to their child's feelings
about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your child
wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears
and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process
and happier with the outcome.
In the initial meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your child's condition,
or yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and explain
the most effective technique. He will also give you specific instructions
on how to prepare for surgery.
Where the surgery will be performed
Ear surgery is usually performed as a day procedure in a hospital
or day surgery centre or in the operating theatre at our rooms.
Types of Anaesthesia
If your child is young your surgeon will recommend general anaesthesia,
so the child will sleep through the operation. For older children
or adults , your surgeon will usually prefer to use local anaesthesia,
combined with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed
and pain free.
The Surgery
Ear surgery usually takes about one to two hours. An incision is made
in the crease behind each ear. Through this approach, the cartilage
is scored in such a way as to bend it permanently backward towards
the head.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of
the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to
protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Getting Back to Normal
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of
surgery. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately
following surgery to promote the best shape and healing. The ears
may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved
by medication.
Within a week, the bulky bandages will be removed. A headband or beanie
worn at night will help you or your child sleep undisturbed, even
if you roll onto one ear. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions
for wearing this headband at night.
Stitches are usually removed in 10 days or so. Any activity in which
the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults
can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go
back to school once the dressings are removed, if they're careful
about playground activity. Children's surgery is usually scheduled
for the school holidays.
Other Ear Problems
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems
that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the
top seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually
a very small ear; and, "shell ear", when the curve in the
outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing.
Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with
large creases and wrinkles. Cleft earlobes (usually due to ear-rings
pulling out) are easily fixed. Surgeons can even build new ears for
those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.
More Natural Looking Ears
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results
of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection.
Don't expect both ears to match perfectly - perfect symmetry is both
unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure
and your expectations with your surgeon before the operation, chances
are, you'll be very pleased with the result.
If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon
and his friendly staff at your consultation.