How does it work?
The procedure is performed behind the ear, where a small area of skin is excised in a dumb-bell fashion and the underlying cartilage is weakened. Sutures that dissolve slowly over time are used to fashion the ear into the desired shape. This can be performed on both sides and then compared to make sure they are symmetrical before the wounds are closed behind the ear with sutures.
What can be achieved?
Deformities of the external ear (pinna) are extremely common. They take many forms and have lots of different names such as ‘bat ear’ or ‘lope ear’. Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as eight and on adults well into their 70s. The ears can be re-shaped to look less prominent or more symmetrical.
Treatment info
The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation, takes about 120 minutes and is very well tolerated
by patients.
Sometimes unfolding occurs when the underlying tension within the cartilage of the ear is too great for the repair and the ear can unfold back to its pre-operative state. This complication can be corrected at a later date.
After treatment
Head bandages are removed after 48 hours to enable showering. After that a tennis style headband is worn overnight for the next 14 days. Sleeping propped up on pillows for the first 48 hours is required to help minimise swelling and it is very important to avoid bending over, heavy lifting, alcohol consumption or vigorous activity for a week. It’s best to sleep on the back and be careful of ears when taking clothing on or off.
Antibiotics are given to cover the risk of infection from the operation. Patients need to take antibiotics as prescribed and will also be given a prescription for pain relief. It is important to take regular pain relief for the first 48 hours.
A post-operative check is given and any external sutures are removed by the nurse after seven days. Most people can go back to work in approximately one week.
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