A child or adult who has prominent ears may be a suitable candidate for Ear Surgery, also known as Otoplasty. Large or protruding ears may result in patients growing their hair or wearing hats to conceal the size of their ears. Having ears that are large and noticeable, adds character, although, some patients find that they prefer to have the protrusion of their ears surgical reduced. Protruding and large ears can be pinned back with Otoplasty surgery.
Otoplasty, at a glance
Target area: Protruding ears
Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks
Total recovery: 6 weeks
Compression garment: Four weeks for adults (six weeks for children)
Scar position: Behind the ear where the ear meets the head
What is Otoplasty surgery
Ear pinning (or Otoplasty) is a surgical procedure that changes the size, projection and shape of the ears, often placing them closer to the head. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery it is mostly performed on young patients between the ages of 5 to 14, it can also be performed on adults of any age. Please note, that children need to be at least five years of age because this is when the cartilage of the ear will be fully developed. This is a highly practical procedure that can reduce the projection of the ears.
Ear Surgery Procedure
Otoplasty begins with an incision made behind the ear. A general anaesthetic is used with Otoplasty surgery. Once the incision is made, the cartilage is reduced, and shaped and the ears are sutured or “pinned back” into place. When the position and shape have been surgically reduced, the ears are dressed and left to heal. The procedure takes one to two hours to complete. The exact length of the procedure will depend on your age, your ears and your preferred surgical outcome. Patients are free to return home after their procedure, provided someone is available to drive them home. Please note, that this is a legal requirement after general anaesthetic is administered.
Patients who also have stretched or torn earlobes may be able to have them repaired at the same time. This will involve removing any excess, stretched skin and stitching the ear lobes back together. Once the ears have healed completely, patients are free to pierce them again.
Otoplasty recovery time
After Otoplasty, you can resume most normal activities within two weeks. For the first week, you need to keep your head elevated and cool. You will also need to avoid hair dryers, shampoos and conditioners, at least until the bandages come off. Patients are also encouraged to stop smoking as this can slow down and affect the healing process. Before surgery, you will be given some post-operative instructions to follow once you’re home. Following these instructions is a vital part of a successful recovery.
In most instances, the bandage that’s wrapped around the head after surgery will need to remain in place for about 10 days. From there, it will only be necessary to wear a headband at night until your ears have healed completely.
Patients can expect some minor itching and discomfort for approximately, one month after their procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication. An antibiotic may also need to be taken to prevent infection. Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle will also show you how to relieve some of the most common side effects after surgery. Scarring is not a cause for concern because the incisions are made behind the ears. Furthermore, by implementing the right scar management techniques, scarring can be kept to a minimum.
Ear Plastic Surgery Before and Afters
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure
View All Otoplasty Before and After Images
Otoplasty with Dr Doyle from Gold Coast Plastic Surgery
When you have your initial consultation with Dr Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, he will assess your ears, and your surgery expectations to determine the best approach to ear surgery. It’s important during your consultation that you are candid with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle about what you hope to achieve from ear surgery. Part of a successful treatment is having realistic expectations.
How much does Otoplasty Surgery cost?
The total cost of Otoplasty surgery on the Gold Coast will depend on what needs to be achieved. The cost will include anaesthetist, surgeon and hospital fees. In some instances, this procedure is covered by Medicare. Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle can provide you with a more accurate estimate once your specific surgery goals have been evaluated.
You can access our list of pricing resources to find out more about the cost of ear pinning surgery on the Gold Coast here:
Are Otoplasty results permanent?
Yes, otoplasty surgery can be considered a medically required surgery and is performed with future results in mind. The only time that a second procedure may be required is if the ears are damaged due to an accident or trauma. This highlights the importance of keeping the ears protected following surgery and throughout recovery. Contact sports are a particular risk to those who’ve undergone otoplasty surgery.
Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
As with any type of surgery, Otoplasty surgery does carry some risks, which may include:
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
- Loss of skin sensation
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle only uses proven surgical techniques to pin back protruding ears and does his best to minimise risks and complications. Following the specific aftercare instructions will also help reduce the chances of complications.
If you would like to know more about this procedure, and what it can do for you, please contact us today.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
