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. 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.

Potential Risks and Complications

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of otoplasty include:

• Infection – that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
• Formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site, which may require drainage
• Chest infection, which may develop after general anaesthesia
• Sore throat caused by the breathing tube used during general anaesthesia
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
• 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
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, and other risks related to anaesthesia
• 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
• Nausea and loss of balance related to fluid accumulation within the inner ear
• 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

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

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.