What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed to move the ears into a more natural looking position closer to the head.
What does the surgery involve?
During the operation, the surgeon will adjust the shape of the ear cartilage to allow it to fold back into a more usual position. Surgery is carried out through an incision hidden in the fold on the back of the ear. Once the operation is completed, this incision is stitched together and a bulky bandage is put around your head.
The procedure takes about an hour to perform.
Ear surgery can be performed under a general anaesthetic (you are fully asleep) or local anaesthetic (you are awake).
Operations on the ears are not particularly painful. However, for the first few hours, your ears may throb and ache and/or you may feel sick. Any discomfort is usually quick to go away and requires only simple analgesia. It should feel quite comfortable by the next day.
Providing all is well, you can expect to go home the same day as your operation. Only occasionally is an overnight stay recommended.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery can be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are given a clear picture.
Blood (Heamatoma) may collect beneath the skin of the ear and this may need to be drained.
Infection can occur although it is very rare. This can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to let your surgeon know if your ears are becoming more swollen and painfull or if you develop a fever.
Occasionally, the scars on the back of the ear can become thick and red which may need further treatment.
Unpredictable results are possible. Cartilage is living tissue and it can occasionally alter its shape over time. Rarely, a second operation may be required to refine your results.
There are general risks associated with all operations. Very occasionally a blood clot can form in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) which would require medical treatment. Part of these clots can also break off and move up to the lungs, causing acute shortness of breath and pain in the chest. This is known as a pulmonary embolus (P.E). Developing a chest infection is uncommon but more likely to happen to people who smoke.
All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss these with your surgeon. Decisions about cosmetic surgery should never be rushed.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Following your consultation, if you decide to proceed with an operation, a range of dates will be offered to you. You may be invited to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment with a nurse. Depending on your age and general health, routine blood tests and a heart tracing (ECG) may be taken. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or raise any concerns.
You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of your operation. If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked not to eat anything six hours before surgery. Black tea/coffee or non-fizzy drinks (nothing containing milk) can be taken up to two hours before surgery. Chewing gum should also be avoided six hours before your operation.
It is important to inform your surgeon, anaesthetist and nurse of any medicines (self or GP prescribed) or recreational drugs you take. Medicines containing aspirin should be avoided for two weeks before the operation since they increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If there are any other medications that may affect surgery then this will be discussed with you at your first appointment.
You will not be able to drive yourself home from hospital and ideally, you should have someone to stay with you for a few days to lend a hand.
What happens after the operation?
After surgery, you will be encouraged to sit up in bed. With general anaesthetic or sedation, you may feel a little drowsy. Expect to wake up and doze on and off for a short time before getting up and dressed.
You will have a dressing and bandage in place around your head,which will need to stay in place for about a week. Wear a top that does not need to go over your head. This dressing may feel quite uncomfortable, particularly during the summer months.The bandage is there to help the ears maintain their new shape whilst healing takes place.
Before you leave the hospital, you will be given a follow up appointment to see either the surgeon and/or nurse. The time of this appointment will depend upon whether you have non-dissolvable stitches.
If you have had a general anaesthetic and are only in hospital for the day, you should have an adult accompany you home and stay with you overnight. You should not drive yourself home from hospital under any circumstances even if you stay in hospital overnight.
What is the estimated recovery time, absence from work and return to usual activities?
Recovery times vary from one person to another so use the times given as a guide only. If you have any concerns during this period, do contact the hospital team for advice.
Once the bandages have been removed, you will be advised to wear a headband when you sleep (just like a tennis sweatband) for about a month after surgery. This is to prevent your ears being bent forwards against the pillow.
Otoplasty timeline
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1 to 3 days
May have a dull ache but the operation should not be painful.
If pain is not controlled by simple pain killers, please contact the hospital.
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3 to 7 days
Bandages removed on approximately day 7. Wear a headband at night for comfort (it looks like a tennis sweatband).
Any non dissolvable stitches will be removed.
Hair can be washed once the dressings are removed.
May feel able to return to school / work after 7 days.
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7 to 14 days
Can restart any sporting activities including swimming but avoid contact sports for a little longer.
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6 months
After 4 weeks, you can sleep without your headband.
Can restart any contact sports after 6 weeks.