The procedure is available for adults and children from the age of 5. The procedure is usually performed behind the ear, where a small area of skin is removed and the cartilage beneath is weakened. Your surgeon will use dissolvable sutures to fashion your ear into the desired shape and pin back the ear into position. If needed, this can be performed on both ears – and we will compare them carefully to ensure they are symmetrical before closing the wounds.

The deformities treated with this procedure are very common – there are many different forms. The most common is prominent ears but we can also alter the shape of your ear, including ‘bat ear’ and ‘lope ear’. With otoplasty and the skills of the experienced team at Skin Institute, you can be freed from ear-related self-consciousness.

We can also fix large ear lobe deformities caused by rings and piercings.

For Skin Institute’s otoplasty procedure, you can expect the following:

• Local anaesthetic or intravenous sedation for adults, general anaesthesia for children
• 60-120-minute duration (approximately)
• Well-tolerated by patients
• Pain relief and antibiotics required following the surgery
• Headband to be worn at night for 2 weeks

You will be given intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia – a general anaesthetic is not required. The whole procedure should take about 120 minutes (less if it’s only one ear needing attention) and is very well-tolerated by patients. Occasionally the ear can unfold when the tension in the cartilage is too great for the repair to be performed – if this complication arises, it can be corrected at a later date.

Things that will help you heal and ensure the best results include:

• Wearing head bandages for the first 48 hours, after which you can shower, and switch to the tennis-style headband that will then be worn overnight for the next 2 weeks.

• In the first 48 hours, sleeping propped up on pillows to minimise swelling – and to ensure that you take pain relief.

• For the first week, avoiding bending over, heavy lifting, alcohol consumption or vigorous activity. It’s best to sleep on your back during this time.

• Being very careful of your ears when you’re taking clothes on or off.

• Taking antibiotics to avoid infection – you must follow the regime to its end to ensure its effectiveness.

After a week, you will need a post-operative check-up, where the nurse will remove any remaining external sutures. Most people are ready to go back to work at this time.