Otoplasty

The ears may not be the first feature you think of when considering cosmetic improvement – unless your ears are disproportionately large, misshapen or protruding. In these cases, even minor imperfections can have a significant impact on the overall harmony of your face. Ear surgery (or otoplasty) can correct many of these imperfections, producing a more balanced facial aesthetic.

Otoplasty can be performed on patients of all ages, and is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that is even recommended for young children. In fact, many parents choose to have their child undergo otoplasty before beginning school to prevent the teasing and bullying that often accompanies large or protruding ears. The procedure may be performed as soon as the ears are fully mature, usually around the age of five or six.

Dr Teston performs otoplasty procedures on patients of all ages, and will work with both children and their parents to ensure that the experience is a positive one for everyone. With ample experience in all types of plastic surgery procedures including otoplasty, you can rest assured that you are in good hands when you select Dr Teston for you or your child.

Before Otoplasty

The most common reasons patients seek otoplasty is to correct ears that conspicuously stick out from the sides of the head. This surgical technique is also referred to as ear pinning. However, there are other potential reasons for the otoplasty procedure, including correcting the following:

  • Disproportionately large or small ears
  • Ears that are misshapen or asymmetrical
  • Ears that fold over on top (known as lop ear)
  • Congenital defect resulting in abnormally shaped ears
  • Illness or injury that has affected the appearance of the ears

Patients may also consider otoplasty with Dr Teston if a previous ear surgery did not meet their expectations. Known as revision otoplasty, this procedure should always be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure the best outcome. With more than two decades of plastic surgery practice under her belt, Dr Teston is qualified to handle both your original and your revision otoplasty procedures.

Dr Teston will customise this procedure to meet your specific needs and desired results. If you are seeking otoplasty for your child, it is important to ensure that your child is ready for the procedure and understands what the surgery entails. Children also need to be able to follow instructions and spend time resting during the recovery process to provide the best possible patient experience and outcome from the procedure.

Otoplasty is performed for appearance purposes only, and cannot be used to improve the function of the ear. At the same time, otoplasty should not negatively affect a person’s ability to hear.

During Otoplasty

Dr Teston performs otoplasty at an accredited hospital, using either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. When the patient is a young child, general anaesthesia is usually recommended to make the procedure less frightening and more comfortable. Incisions used for otoplasty are made behind the ear or within the natural creases of the skin to minimise visible scarring after surgery. In some cases, incisions can also be made inside the ear to make the appropriate corrections.

Through these incisions, Dr Teston can remove excess tissue and cartilage to create a more attractive ear shape. The ear is then placed in a more attractive aesthetic position on the side of the head, and permanent sutures are used to help maintain that position. The goal of the surgery is not only to create a more pleasing look to the ears, but to achieve a symmetry and balance that will be reflected in the entire appearance.

Ear surgery can usually be completed in an hour or two, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific concerns to be addressed. Patients may spend one night in the hospital after otoplasty, cared for by an attentive nursing staff. Young children in particular benefit from the overnight stay, which gives them the opportunity to be carefully monitored for the first 24 hours before returning home. A parent is welcome to stay overnight with their child. Some adults may be able to go home the same day as their procedure.

After Otoplasty

A soft dressing or headband will be placed over the ears after otoplasty, which will be worn all day and night for the first few days, and then only at night for another week or so. Most patients resume activities within about one week, and full results of the procedure will become evident in about two weeks, after the swelling subsides. Once the ears fully heal, the results of your otoplasty procedure will be permanent.

Otoplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a profound impact on your quality of life and your self-esteem. If you want to find out whether otoplasty is the right choice for you or your child, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Otoplasty was reviewed by Dr. Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Procedures Offered


With more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr Teston is qualified to provide a broad range of plastic surgery procedures. Some of the choices available to her patients include:

Breast Enhancement

No matter what cosmetic goals you might have for your breasts, Dr Teston can help you achieve them. One of her specialties is correcting asymmetries between the breasts that cause a woman to feel self-conscious about her body. Other breast procedures offered by Dr Teston include:

Facial Improvements

Whether you are concerned about the effects of ageing or looking to correct an imperfection that has been nagging you throughout your adult life, Dr Teston offers procedures to enhance and refresh your appearance. She can customise any of the following to your specifications and facial proportions:

  • Facelift to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
  • Eyelid surgery to correct drooping and rejuvenate the area around the eyes
  • Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping to create symmetry, remove imperfections, or restore the nose after injury
  • Otoplasty (or ear surgery) to correct ears that stick out or are disproportionately large
Body Contouring

Body contouring is an effective way to put the final touches on your body shape when you can’t get there with diet and exercise alone. Body contouring is usually recommended for patients that have achieved a healthy, stable weight and may include the following:

  • Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) to tighten and flatten the midsection
  • Lift procedures to shape and firm the upper arms and thighs
  • Liposuction to remove isolated, stubborn areas of fat from nearly anywhere on the body
  • Labiaplasty to correct discomfort due to either developmental or hormonal enlargements or scarring
Skin Treatments

As the largest organ of the body, the skin deserves special attention. When you want to get rid of unsightly moles, fatty lumps, or other concerns, Dr Teston is prepared to eliminate the blemish and leave the best cosmetic results behind. Some of the concerns Dr Teston can treat include:

Hand Restoration

Your hands are one of the most functional and visible parts of the body, and when they are injured or affected by a debilitating condition, the effects on your life can be dramatic. Dr Teston offers hand surgery to treat many of these concerns, with the following being some of the hand conditions she treats:

When you are in search of a plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Teston offers a valuable female perspective, extensive training and experience, and a commitment to the highest level of patient care. To learn more about our practice, contact our office today at (02) 9708 3511.