Otoplasty, or as it’s most commonly known, ear pinning surgery, can change the shape, position and the proportions of the ears. Surgeons will balance the proportion of the ears to the face and create a natural shape. It’s most commonly carried out in children, but adults and teenagers are suitable for otoplasty.
This surgery can help correct prominent or misshapen ears caused by an injury or skin cancer. Otoplasty can help to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Otoplasty can be used to treat a number of conditions including:
Which otoplasty technique the surgeon uses will depend on what type of correction is required, but surgery usually takes approximately two hours. The technique will determine where the incisions and resulting scars are positioned.
Incisions may be made on the back of your ear, or within the inner creases of your ears. During surgery your surgeon may remove excess cartilage or skin, then fold the cartilage into a better position and secure with internal stitches. More stitches will be used to close the incisions.
Post otoplasty you will have bandages on your ears to provide additional protection and support. It’s common to feel some discomfort and itching after surgery. Your surgeon may recommend pain medication.
After surgery you should avoid sleeping on your side and rubbing or placing any force on the ears. It may help to wear button-down shirts or clothes with loose fitting collars.
Most patients will return to see us at by one week so the bandages can be removed. You may notice that your ears are swollen or red and you may need to continue to wear a loose headband for a few weeks to cover your ears while you are sleeping.
Your surgeon will recommend when, or if your stitches need to be removed, as some stitches dissolve on their own. Your surgeon will also recommend when you can resume normal daily activities such as swimming and bathing.
Your surgical team will provide you with you with post-operative care instructions, such as:
General self-care suggestions may include:
In some cases, yes. You may be eligible if you’re 18 years old or younger and your ear deformity results in your ears being visibly prominent. In this case a Medicare Benefits Schedule item number might apply.
If you meet the above criteria and have private health insurance you may be eligible to receive a rebate on your part of the surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees and the hospital costs.
If you don’t have private health insurance and you meet this criteria Medicare will most likely give you a rebate on a small part of your surgeon’s fee and anaesthetist fees.
You’ll notice the changes as soon as the bandages are removed.
These changes are permanent, however if you are not satisfied with the result you can consult with your surgeon to talk about the chance of revision surgery.
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of otoplasty include:
Your RPS team will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:
The extensive specialist skills of our surgical team ensure that you are provided with surgical options designed to maximise form and function.
Dr Michael Findlay holds an impressive array of academic credentials, extensive professional experience and a personal commitment to patient satisfaction.
