"My ears are too big" or "My childs ears are too big" is a comment complaint from patient and parents. Pinning the ears behind the head solves the whole problem. People with prominent ears are easy targets among friends and colleges. Children after six years of age can have surgery. This procedure gives a good result.

Modern techniques in cosmetic otoplasty incorporate both historical procedures and recently developed combined procedures with laser assistance to correct protruding ear or "lop ear" deformity. The multiple-procedure technique is conceptually sound and uses simple, innovative methods to reduce surgery time and yield predictable outcomes for both young and older patients. Early indications are that complications and revision rates have been reduced with the introduction of lasers in otoplasty. Modern technology allows physicians to correct "lop ear" deformity and help amend patients’ distorted self-images.

Though there are a number of different approaches which address this procedure, the most common one involves the reshaping or removing of some of the cartilage behind the ear. After opening the back of the ear, the surgeon either removes some of the cartilage or folds it on to itself and sutures it together. Since the work is done on the back of the ear, any scars are usually faint and can be hidden in the creases.

This procedure offers dramatic, immediate results that will last a lifetime. It's a great example of the important psychological benefits that often result from Cosmetic Surgery.

Complications with this procedure have been minimal, with rare instances of infection or hypertrophic scarring. Less than 2-3% of patients require additional surgeries, although occasionally a secondary revision of the anterior Mustardé procedure may be necessary. The conchal set-back technique seems to be long-lasting and permanent with minimal incidence of suture extrusion. The conchal set-back appears to account for 70-80% of the aesthetic correction.

The Procedure

Ear Surgery alone takes approximately 1 hour to perform and may be combined with other facial procedures.

A local anaesthetic is generally used. In addition to the local, various drugs are used before, during and after surgery to make you comfortable and steady.

Dissolving sutures are used which means you do not have to return to the clinic to have them removed.

After surgery, the ears are covered with a dressing that is removed after 4 - 5 days. A support head band will be given to you to wear at night for the next four weeks to prevent damage to the surgery while the ears are healing, during your sleep.

After surgery, any minor pain or discomfort you experience can be controlled with medication. Postauricular Incision

The incision is made in the postauricular crease with the length varying from 2.5 to 2.7 cm.

Second Ear

Otoplasty is now performed on the second ear to achieve a comparable anatomical correction. By first operating on the most difficult ear and then matching the second (less difficult ear), symmetry is more easily achieved.

Preparing for The Operation

Products that contain Aspirin, Vitamin E, or Evening Primrose oil should be avoided for four weeks before surgery.

Strong alcoholic drinks should be avoided before surgery.

Important: Patients should not smoke for two weeks before surgery and for a few days after surgery. Smoking interferes with the circulation of blood to the skin and can cause death of the skin flaps.

Patients should purchase Betadine shampoo use it to wash their hair the night before surgery (if surgery is scheduled for the morning) or the morning before (if surgery is scheduled for the afternoon). Hair may be conditioned and blow dried.

On the day of surgery, the patient should wear comfortable, loose clothing. A button up shirt is recommended.

Patients must not wear any make-up (including mascara and nail polish) when they go into surgery. If the patient tints, dyes or bleaches his or her hair, this should be done no later than one week before surgery.

Post Operative Care

After the first 24 hours, dressings are removed and the patient may shower. On the second postoperative day the patient is allowed to start moderate activities and after 2 weeks normal activities can be resumed. During the first 1 to 2 weeks, the patient wears a ski headband or something comparable at night for the next 6 weeks. The dressings not only serve to support the ear, but also as a helpful reminder.

On removal of the dressing, patients can observe an almost complete correction of their deformity. Within a few weeks, the wound has dramatically improved and the surgical corrections are less apparent and more natural in appearance.

Typically, most patients are up and around a day or two after surgery. You will be quite presentable 1 week after surgery however full healing can take up to 3 months.

Rest with your head elevated for the first 2 - 4 days. You can shampoo your hair once your dressing has been removed. Do not wrap the towel around your head as this will pull the ears forward. Dry thoroughly behind the ears after each shower. Burning, tightness, itchiness and puffiness are normal for the first few weeks. Any excessive bleeding, discolouration or swelling should be immediately reported to The Centre.

Cost of Procedure
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Treatments available at our Brisbane and Gold Coast Clinics

Windsor - Indooroopilly - Upper Mt. Gravatt - Bundall