Otoplasty – Ear Surgery
Setback otoplasty (sometimes referred to as ear pinning), can significantly alter the appearance of prominent ears in both adults and children provided the ears have fully matured. Prominent ears are a common finding in the population at large. It is a developmental anomaly, the last point of ear development in the womb is the development of the ante-helical fold. If this stops early it leads to increased prominence of the margin of the ear, called the helical margin.
There are other less frequent anomalies such as a lop ear, Darwin’s tubercle and microtia which is a result of an earlier stop in ear development. Microtia is uncommon and a much more complex problem of arrested development and is best managed by Paediatric Plastic Surgery expert in ear reconstruction. Prominent ears, Darwin’s tubercle and minor lop deformities are more common and A/Prof Magnusson manages these problems. He will discuss your specific options with you during your consultation.
The otoplasty procedure
The degree of your Otoplasty will depend on the type of correction needed. During your consultation with A/Prof Magnusson, your individualised procedure will be thoroughly discussed with you as well as what incision patterns may be required.
Generally, incision is made in a natural skin fold on the back of the ear allowing for reduced visible scarring. The ear cartilage will be manipulated to create a more complete ante helical fold bringing the margin of the ear backward towards the neck. Children and most adults will have a general anaesthetic however the surgery can be performed awake under local anaesthetic. On July 1, 2023 the federal government changed the rules with respect to the venue at which surgical procedures of this nature could be performed. Surgery is required to be performed in an accredited facility (day surgery or hospital) and reduces the ability to perform this under local anaesthetic in our clinic.
Once the necessary incisions have been made, the ear cartilage will be exposed, allowing A/Prof Magnusson to reshape each ear. The cartilage shape is supported with a tighter curve by non-removable sutures. There are additional components of the surgery that may make the procedure more complex according to the individual goals such as conchal bowl recession and less frequently reshaping the helical margin with cartilage grafting for “lop ears”. The patient’s head is then wrapped in a bandage, which will help keep the ears protected during recovery. For children the bandage is in place for 2 weeks and in adolescents and adults for only 1 week.
Otoplasty – Ear Surgery:
Ears are one of our most noticeable features, which is why protruding ears can have such an effect on self-confidence. A/Prof Magnusson understands that cosmetic surgery is a personal decision and one that requires the expertise of a qualified professional who will take your specific requirements into consideration. A/Prof Mark Magnusson has helped many patients across Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast with protruding ears. Let A/Prof Magnusson help you with your aesthetic journey.
Suitable otoplasty candidates
A/Prof Magnusson performs this surgery regularly. Children, as well as adults, can be suitable candidates for otoplasty. There is a wide range of normal ear shape and prominent ears on their own do not require surgery. A/Prof does not operate on children with prominent ears until the child understands the reason for surgery, recognises the concern and wishes to proceed. A child who is not on board with the treatment process will not understand the reason for the bandages and may not comply with the postoperative restrictions which could impact the outcome. It isn’t an operation to undertake to avoid potential future problems as a procedure without perceived benefit is just risk.
Adults who want this procedure must have no medical restrictions and should be in overall good health. It is imperative that patients know all of the limitations and possibilities of surgery and be realistic about their expectations following surgery. For some adults a more localised earlobe reduction procedure can be performed to reduce the redundancy and size of the earlobes.
If you have any of the following concerns, you could be a suitable candidate for cosmetic ear surgery:
- Protruding or prominent ears
- Enlarged earlobes
- ‘Lop ears’
The deformities mentioned above can all be addressed using otoplasty surgery. Those with large or stretched ear lobes or lobes with large wrinkles and creases are also candidates for this procedure.
Ear surgery results
Changing the position, shape or size of your ears through otoplasty surgery can have a significant effect on your overall appearance. Ear surgery (otoplasty) achieves immediate results that will last a lifetime. One of the most popular reasons people have otoplasty is to improve the visual appearance of their ears. Reconstructive and cosmetic ear surgery is administered to treat a number of deformities, such as folded, cupped, protruding, “lop ears”.
After ear surgery, it will take several weeks for swelling to subside however the ears commonly remain pink as though sunburnt or blushing for 2 – 3 months, which means most patients can only expect to see the final results of their procedure three to six months later. However, this will be different for everyone.
frequently asked questions
How much does otoplasty cost?
In most instances, otoplasty surgery starts at about $5,000 but every patient has slightly different requirements that can affect the final cost. If you’re serious about scheduling an otoplasty procedure, it’s essential to schedule a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson first so that an accurate quotation can be obtained. Patients younger than 18 will usually have medicare and health fund assistance for this surgery however the concern needs to be more substantial in adults to be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which can also be determined during your consultation. You may also want to contact your insurer prior to your appointment to find out what your options are.
What can I expect during my recovery?
Following otoplasty surgery, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication although pain is not usually a feature. You will need to leave the bandages in place until A/Prof Magnusson advises that it’s safe to remove them. Once the initial wrapping has been removed, a headband will need to be worn for 6 weeks at night, until the ears have healed completely. Patients should aim to take a week or two off work but, in most instances, a week is enough. Any activities that could place pressure on the head or damage the ears should be avoided for6 weeks and although it takes as long as 3 months for complete cartilage stability, it is uncommon for substantial changes to the ear shape to occur after 6 weeks. A/Prof Magnusson will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions until they have healed and how to sleep and shower in a way that will protect the ears until they’re healed.
Is there a chance that procedure can affect my hearing?
Since otoplasty only targets the outer ear, which doesn’t have an impact on how the ears process sound, an impact on hearing is not a recognised problem associated with this surgery.
Will there be visible scarring after my otoplasty procedure?
All incisions are made behind the ears or in the natural folds of the skin, which means scarring is concealed. While the scarring is usually hidden and subtle, there is a very uncommon instance of hypertrophic or keloid scars with this surgery. In AProf Magnusson’s experience he has not seen this in his own patients, because it is uncommon, but has managed this problem in a couple of patients who had surgery elsewhere with darker skin types which is a recognised risk for adverse scarring.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
Complications are uncommon after otoplasty, but it’s important to understand that risks are always present. It all starts with choosing the right surgeon and ensuring you’re an ideal candidate for this surgery, balancing risk and potential benefit. Bleeding, infection, scarring and asymmetry are general risks of surgery. Incomplete correction is uncommon and more of a concern in adults than in children. Uncommonly, an ulcer or blister can develop that may take a few weeks to fully heal, which almost never requires intervention. Reoperation is uncommon. A/Prof Magnusson will explain these to you in detail during your consultation and tell you how to minimise any risks.
Book an appointment for Otoplasty in Brisbane, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast
A/Prof Magnusson can discuss the otoplasty procedure with you and provide you with information regarding risks and recovery times at your initial consultation. He has assisted patients in Brisbane and throughout Queensland. Request an appointment by contacting reception at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinics today.