SURGICAL PROCEDURE
EAR RESHAPING
TREATMENT OVERVIEW
Otoplasty, often termed ear reshaping surgery, is a procedure tailored to modify the ears’ size, position, or shape. Many individuals opt for Otoplasty due to congenital ear conditions, dissatisfaction with ear prominence, or to rectify asymmetries. Various elements, from genetic predispositions to past injuries, can influence the ear’s appearance, making this procedure a sought-after solution for both aesthetic and functional enhancements.
THE PROCEDURE
Every Otoplasty journey commences with a thorough consultation. In this session, the surgeon delves deep into the ear’s structural intricacies, employing state-of-the-art imaging tools when necessary. This dialogue allows patients to voice their concerns and aspirations, enabling the surgeon to craft a surgical strategy aligning with their vision.
The choice of anaesthesia is pivotal and is determined after considering the patient’s health, comfort levels, and the procedure’s complexity. While local anaesthesia combined with sedation is a popular choice, some cases might necessitate the use of general anaesthesia.
In Otoplasty, surgical techniques are as diverse as the issues they address. Strategically placed incisions, often concealed behind the ears, grant the surgeon access to the ear cartilage. Depending on the desired outcome, the surgeon might sculpt the cartilage, employ sutures to adjust the ear’s angle, or excise redundant skin. The culmination of the procedure sees the careful closure of these incisions, with an emphasis on minimising any potential scarring.
AT A GLANCE
- Surgery: 2 Hours
- Time off work: 10 Days
- Before you drive: 7 Days
- Return to Gym 3 Weeks
- Lift a small child: 14 Days
- Final Results: 6 Weeks - 3 Months
PLEASE NOTE: While some results may be visible sooner, final results often take a few months for swelling to fully subside.
Actual return to activity times will be discussed and agreed with your Surgeon.
Actual return to activity times will be discussed and agreed with your Surgeon.
THE BENEFITS
You may choose to undergo an Otoplasty procedure for a number of reasons:
Otoplasty can usher in a transformative change, addressing concerns like oversized ears, protrusion, or irregularities. The result is often a harmonious facial symmetry, accentuating the individual’s natural beauty.
Beyond its aesthetic prowess, Otoplasty can also rectify functional impediments. For some, realigning the ear can lead to enhanced auditory capabilities, enriching their sensory experiences.
The ripple effect of aesthetic and functional enhancements often permeates the psychological realm. Many patients report heightened self-worth, renewed confidence, and an enriched social life post-procedure.
RISKS
While surgical procedures offer the potential for significant improvements in health and well-being, it is crucial to understand that they are not without risks. All surgical interventions carry inherent risks, which may include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, and the possibility of unsatisfactory results. The specific risks associated with your procedure will be discussed in detail during your pre-operative consultations with our medical team. Our dedicated staff will work closely with you to minimise these risks, ensuring the safest and most successful outcome possible. It’s essential to follow all pre and post-operative instructions meticulously to reduce the likelihood of complications.
THINGS TO AVOID
AFTER SURGERY
- Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities or exercises that could strain or put pressure on your ears for 2 weeks.
- Avoid wearing headphones that may irritate the incision sites until healed
- Smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can impair wound healing
- Prolonged sun exposure to the surgical area
- Spicy foods or foods high in sodium that may exacerbate swelling
- Over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen that can affect blood clotting
- Swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas to avoid infection risks
- Sleeping on your side; When resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Not protecting your ears when sleeping; Use a soft headband or wrap your ears with a soft cloth during sleep to prevent accidental bumping or pressure on the surgical area.
Post Op
AFTERCARE
Post-operative care post Ear Reshaping is paramount, ensuring the best results while minimising potential complications
- Medications: Post-operative care might necessitate antibiotic ointments to stave off infections and pain-relievers to ensure comfort.
- Sun Protection: Newly operated ears can be sensitive to sunlight. Protective measures like sunscreen and headgear are recommended.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Nutritional intake plays a role in healing. A balanced diet, coupled with ample hydration and abstaining from detrimental habits like smoking, can expedite recovery.
- Regular Check-ups: Scheduled visits to the surgeon play a pivotal role in the healing journey, ensuring everything progresses as anticipated and addressing any potential concern
"Really informative Consultation. Mark and Steve are great. It was a really nice place and the staff were lovely!"
FAQs
Otoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure and generally does not affect hearing. However, in some cases where the ear’s structure is affecting hearing, corrections may offer some improvement.
Yes, otoplasty can be performed on adults and children, typically those over five, when ear growth is mostly complete.
Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia can be used, depending on the patient’s age, health, and the complexity of the procedure.
The results of an otoplasty are generally permanent, barring any significant trauma to the ears.
Yes, otoplasty can be tailored to correct asymmetry, making the ears more uniform in appearance.