Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)

The aims of otoplasty are to reduce the prominence of the ears and to create a more natural shape to the ears.

This surgery can be performed in both children and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the operation require a general anaesthetic?

  In older children and adults, it is possible to perform the surgery entirely under local anaesthetic. This is done by blocking the main nerves that supply sensation to the external ear. Patients undergoing the procedure will still be awake and can hear the operation being performed. For this procedure and overall comfort, I would recommend a general anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
  

• What are the potential complications?

  The risks will be discussed with you in detail before you consent to the operation. The risks can be broken down into general risks associated with any operation, and those specific to otoplasty.
  
  General operative risks include anaesthetic complications, bruising, bleeding, infection, wound breakdown and abnormal scarring such as keloid scarring.
  
  Specific complications include swelling and bruising to the ears, wound infection, bleeding from the wound and from under the skin, collections of blood or fluid under the skin, pressure from the dressings on the ears, tenderness or temporary numbness to the ears, skin surface irregularities, loss of the corrected shape, recurrence of the prominence and the need for revisional surgery.
  

• What costs are involved?

  • Dr Belt’s surgical fee
  • Theatre fee / day bed, and overnight bed if not a day case
  • Specialist anaesthetists fee

  Rebates are available through Medicare and Private Health Funds. Please contact Dr. Belt’s rooms for a personalised quote and for further information to be sent to you.

• What happens after the operation?

  Most cases are performed as a day case. No drains are used. A bandage is placed around the ears and remains in place for one week. At one week these dressings are removed. Some slight bruising and swelling is normally present at this time but should settle over a couple of weeks. The skin stitches used behind the ear are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
  
  Dr. Belt encourages you to wear a tennis sweat band over your ears at night for six weeks. You should avoid wearing caps for three months.
  

• What is done during the operation?

  The operation involves making a small excision of skin behind the ear. The ear is then reshaped, and the projection from the head reduced, using a combination of cartilage scoring and stitches. The type of procedure you require will be discussed with Dr. Belt during your pre operative consultations. This surgery does not interfere with hearing.
  

Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery) Cases

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• Case 13