Phone: 61 2 8814 5800

Email: doctor@edeninstitute.com.au

Otoplasty (Prominent or ‘bat’ ears)

This day stay procedure is intended for patients who feel their ears are ‘too big’ or too prominent and have, at some stage in their lives have been taunted. Often Otoplasty is carried out at a young age to prevent the stress and low self esteem and confidence issues, with patients presenting from as young as 3 to 65 years of age. Various techniques can be used, depending on the given situation which will be discussed with the patient at the Eden Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery or with the patient’s parents if necessary, with clear explanation that everyone’s ears are asymmetrical to begin with.

An incision spanning the entire length behind the ear is made to provide access to the underlying cartilage and the cartilage in the front of the ear. The skin is then stitched behind the ear, often using absorbable sutures so the patient does not suffer discomfort during the healing process.

Results can be dramatic and are permanent.
After the operation, the ears are packed very carefully and moulded with a number of layers of dressings and a bandage is then placed around the ears and head, for 7 days. At day 7 the bandages are removed and the ears will appear to be flat against the head but this will gradually come out and there may be bruising and swelling that continues for a number of weeks. Patients are asked to wear a head band at night for a month to avoid any trauma to the ears and older children are asked to avoid any contact sport for at least 6 weeks following the procedure. Scarring to the back of the ear in general is excellent although, very occasionally, a thickened scar which may be itchy and tender may develop but can be treated.

The procedure
Possible Side Effects and Risks: infection, wound breakdown, bleeding, fluid accumulation, loss of sensation to the tip of the ear (which returns after a period of time), infection, poor scars, asymmetry and recurrence.