Otoplasty

Prominent or ‘Bat-ears’ can be embarrassing for children or adults. The best time to correct any deformity is when the ear has stopped growing at around 7 years of age. However, it is difficult for all children to agree to surgery at this age and patients can present from this age onward into adult life. It can be one sided or both. Teasing at school that is affecting a child should be taken seriously and if the child expresses an interest in surgery this should be at least explored.

Procedure in brief

Liposuction

The ear can be prominent from either prominence of the deep bowl in the centre of the ear (concha) and /or the rim of the ear (helix and anti-helix) not being folded or rolled as in most people. Surgery revolves around re-shaping the cartilage of the ear and not simply stitching it back. Some skin is usually excised behind the ear and the re-shaping done from this cut. The scar then lies behind the ear.

Otoplasty Facts

Scars

The scars are hidden behind the ears. They are a little pink in the first 1-2 months and then fade to white by 3-4 months. Occasionally they can be thickened.

Length of surgery and hospital stay

The operation takes 60-90 minutes and is performed as a daycase under local or general anaesthetic.

Time off work and recovery

Allow 1-2 weeks off work or school. Most patients are very mobile after 1-2 days, walking a distance at 3-5 days, swimming by 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise by 6 weeks. Driving is usually possible after 5-10 days. It is important to wear a head bandage when sleeping for 4 weeks.

Potential complications

This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered skin sensation or variable scar quality. With otoplasty surgery, additional potential problems include cartilage or skin irregularity, differences between the two sides and recurrence of some prominence (higher risk in adults).

What is covered in costs