Correction of prominent ears is a surgery I love doing because the reward is in the confidence the change gives the patient. It is a relatively simple surgery that is deemed by Medicare to be for ‘medical’ reasons and not ‘cosmetic’ as many people believe it to be.
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MELBOURNE EAR SURGERY
GALLERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EAR SURGERY
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape and reposition the ears. It corrects cosmetic concerns or deformities, such as prominent, large, or asymmetrical ears. The surgery involves making incisions behind the ears to access and reshape the cartilage. Sometimes some of the cartilage may even need reducing. Otoplasty can be performed in children as well as adults and has a relatively short recovery period with scars hidden behind the ears.
When can I expect to see results?
After otoplasty, immediate improvements in ear appearance can be seen when the dressings are first removed. The final results will take a little longer to be seen due to swelling. Complete healing typically takes a couple of weeks and resolution of residual swelling may take up to about 4 weeks. There is often a requirement to wear a soft head band during this time of healing.
How young can an Otoplasty patient be?
Otoplasty is typically performed on individuals aged five or six years and older. By this age, the ear cartilage has sufficiently developed for a safe and effective procedure. The timing of otoplasty should be determined through consultation with a qualified surgeon, considering factors such as the child’s maturity and the severity of the ear condition. In some cases, otoplasty may be performed on younger children for significant functional or psychological reasons, but careful consideration is necessary. Although otoplasty is often performed in children, it is not uncommon for Dr Sophie to perform the procedure in adults too!