Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

Before the surgery

It is important to discuss with your surgeon any pre-existing medical conditions which you may have, any history of bad scarring, as well as notifying them of any regular medications that you take. Tablets such as anti-inflammatories and aspirin should be avoided in the 2 weeks before surgery, as they can increase the risks of bleeding.

You will need to discuss what results you are expecting from the surgery, and your surgeon will be able to show you some photos of other patients who have had the procedure.

The surgery

Otoplasty is frequently performed in children in order to avoid teasing at school, but may also be performed in adults. In children, it is usually best performed any time from the age of seven, by which time the ear cartilage is mature enough to be shaped, and when the child is old enough to co-operate with the surgery and the aftercare.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, and patients are usually discharged on the same day. During the surgery local anaesthetic is also used, which will help with post-operative pain relief.

The scars for otoplasty are all placed behind the ear so as not to be visible. In order to improve the shape of your ear a combination of either scraping the cartilage or using stitches may be used. Additional stitches may be used to pull the entire ear closer to the side of the head and also to correct prominence of the ear lobes. The wounds are then closed and a head bandage applied.

After the surgery

Otoplasty is not usually a painful procedure, and usually only simple pain medications are needed afterwards. The head bandage is left in place for a week, at which time it is removed and any stitches that need to be removed are taken out. From this time the wounds are left open and you can shower normally. You will need to wear a headband at night for a few weeks following the procedure.