Otoplasty - Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery includes any procedure to correct protruding or deformed ears. To some, it seems a minor disorder, but it can have devastating implications.  In general terms, an otoplasty is best undertaken between the ages of 4 and 14. 

Ears are almost fully grown by the age of 4 and if correction is undertaken prior to attending school, the teasing experienced by a child will be minimized.  There is certainly no risk in undertaking ear surgery on an older candidate and this is far more readily achieved under local anaesthetic with or without sedation.

The classical deformity of protruding ears relates to the folds of the ear (the anti-helical fold), the deepness of the conchal bowl and the amount of projection of the lobule (ear lobe).  Each of these factors will be assessed and discussed before surgery and photographs will be undertaken both preoperatively and postoperatively.  Once the condition of your ears has settled approximately 6 weeks following surgery, a copy of these photographs will be given to you.

Ear surgery can take place under general, local anaesthetic with sedation or local anaesthetic only depending on a patient’s age and tolerance.  The surgery takes under two hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.  Mostly surgery is undertaken as a day stay procedure and unusually requires an overnight stay in hospital. 

An incision is made behind the ear and through this incision; access is obtained to the cartilage of the ear which may be sculpted to a new shape using either permanent sutures or an incision technique through the cartilage.  The scar behind the ear will fade to in an imperceptible line with time.  A well padded head bandage is applied at the completion of the surgery to prevent blood from collecting beneath the skin.  Routinely, oral antibiotics are administered for a few days and if discomfort or pain is experienced the surgeon should be notified, as this may suggest an infection.  Following an otoplasty it is recommended that at like head bandage is worn at night for several weeks so that the ear is not folded back on itself in an abnormal position.

Complications following surgery are uncommon. 

• Very rarely, a blood clot (haematoma) collects beneath the skin and may require surgical removal.  
• Infection is also uncommon and will become apparent if increasing discomfort or pain is noted following surgery.  
• The sensation of the ear is frequently diminished or different for a period of weeks to months.  Normal sensation will eventually return.
• More natural appearing ears are the goal of surgery and the vast majority of patients are very pleased with the results of ear surgery. 

Perfection is not always obtained but at the least considerable improvement is noted.  It is unlikely that perfect symmetry is obtained with both ears as this is not a natural occurrence even and people with “normal” ears.  In a small minority of cases, revision surgery is necessary.

Return to the top