Otoplasty

Otoplasty or prominent ear surgery is a surgical procedure that reshapes, re contours and re suspends the ear in a more aesthetically pleasing position. It can be performed on both children and adults.

Young children may benefit from this procedure to prevent teasing and self confidence issues that can develop at school. Though every ear is different there are specific features to the aesthetically pleasing ear.

“Plastic Surgery in a professional caring environment .”

Dr Yosanta Rajapakse Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty FAQs

Risks of procedure

All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. Dr Rajapakse is extensively trained and experienced with all aspects of plastic surgery procedures and utilizes the latest techniques to help minimise those risks. Dr Rajapakse believes patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand, and will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:

Infection
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Pain/discomfort
Nerve damage
Bruising
Swelling
Complications relating to anaesthesia
Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
Death
Poor wound healing
Potential for an additional surgery
Blood clots
Thrombosis
Cardiac complications
Pulmonary complications
Injury to the facial nerves, which may be accompanied by weakness
Numbness or other changes in sensation in the treatment area
Skin discolouration/irregularities
Hair loss at the incision sites which may be temporary or permanent
Asymmetry
Visible deformities at or near the incision sites

Is it right for me?

Otoplasty will benefit patients who have large and/or protruding ears. Otoplasty is performed by making an incision in the back of the ear and then reshaping part of the cartilage in the ears, allowing them to lie closer to the side of the head. The majority of operations are done on children between the ages of four and thirteen. This is because a child’s ear cartilage is soft and easy to mould.

In teenagers and adults, the firmer cartilage of fully formed ears does not allow the same degree of moulding. However, ear surgery can still be very effective in teenagers and adults.

If you are unhappy with your ear/s for aesthetic reasons and you are considering surgery, Dr Rajapakse will examine your ears, or your child’s ears, during your initial consultation and discuss how otoplasty can achieve an improvement and meet your goals and expectations.

Will I need anaesthesia?

Dr Rajapakse will engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (FRANZCA).

Your anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications that you are taking or have taken and any allergies that you may have.

Will there be scarring?

Unfortunately scars are an inevitable part of any surgery and depending on how each person heals, there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome.

Dr Rajapakse is highly skilled to minimize scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by placing the incision in natural crease lines.

Scars do fade and if scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Rajapakse will provide you with specially tailored treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars.

Where is the surgery taking place?

All surgeries are performed either as a day case or over night stay at reputable internationally accredited facility.

What is the recovery period?

The recovery period for Otoplasty will vary from patient to patient and you could return to work within 7-10 days. Following surgery a bulky bandage is in place for 5-10 days and patients can usually return to school or work after this has been removed. Usually Rajapakse will recommend sleeping with a head band that protects the ears for at least 6-8 weeks post-surgery and to wear a tennis headband during the day for 2 week inorder to protect the newly shaped cartilage. Light exercise may be resumed within 4-5 weeks but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks.

What are the costs?

You have the right to be informed about the costs associated with you surgery.

When choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic surgery, remember that factors such as surgeon’s training, qualifications, experience and your comfort them are just as important.

Costs associated with the procedure may include:

Dr Rajapakse’s surgical fee
One year of Surgical follow up
Accredited hospital facility cost
Anaesthesia fee
Prescription for medications
Post- surgery garments
Medical tests

After your consultation an informed financial consent will be sent as well as an information pack to read before the second pre-surgery appointment. This second optional appointment is free of charge and your preoperative photos and will be taken.