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Otoplasty can be performed to:
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Even up the size and shape of ears that do not match
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Pin back protruding ears / bat ear
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Reduce excess cartilage in the ears
You can view the range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures available, see the Gallery / Before and After Photos / and find answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If you wish to learn more about cosmetic surgery and facial plastic surgery please contact us to schedule a consultation with our Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon or Nurse Coordinator.
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Dr Pham recommends children to wait until they are at least 6 years old as the ear is near adult size. Bat ears or very protuberant ears can attract unkind comments from peers in early childhood and may cause parents to concern of the effect on their child. An advantage in performing otoplasty in children is that the cartilage is still soft and easily moulded, as cartilage becomes firmer with age. However, otoplasty is still very effective in teenagers and adults.
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Usually an elliptical or dumbbell of skin is removed at the back of the ear. The scar is hidden and not visible. The cartilage is then sculpted creating a more natural looking shape and stitched into place, or alternatively, a portion of cartilage may be removed and the ear folded back to its new permanent position. Stitches along the incision line will be either dissolvable or removed in 7-10 days. The surgery lasts 1-1½ hours either under sedation or general anaesthesia. Patients are normally ready to go home after a few hours. Children must stay with a responsible adult for 24 hours if the child is discharged home on the same day.
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Sterile dressings and bandages will be applied and removed after 2-5 days. There will be some degree of swelling and bruising. Head elevation will help to reduce this. It is not uncommon to have unevenness in the ears in the first few days but this normally resolves after a few days. Once the dressings and bandages have been removed it is important to continue applying the ointment to the wounds on a regular basis (at least 4 times per day) because sutures that have been kept well lubricated are easier to remove. Hair can be washed on the second day but it is important to dry sutures thoroughly afterwards.
It takes times for any swelling and bruising to subside. Most adults can return to work after 5 days and children after 7 days. Children should be careful in the playground and avoid sporting activities for up to 6 weeks. Please avoid wearing earrings until several weeks after surgery and protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses. A soft elastic headband should be worn at night for 4 to 6 weeks.
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General risk of surgery
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Wound infection - may require antibiotics
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Bleeding, blood clots or seroma
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Chest infection
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Sore throat from the breathing tube
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Scars that become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
Specific Risks
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Asymmetry is common as no two ears are the same. Rarely this is gross. Occasionally minor revision surgery will be recommended.
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Re-protrusion may occur in 5% of cases.
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Reduced sensation around the ears is common but this is temporary and should return to normal in 6 months.
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Nausea and loss of balance is temporary.
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Skin necrosis is very uncommon.
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