Facial Procedure: Otoplasty

Otoplasty is ear-shaping surgery, which can involve reducing the prominence of protruding ears or reducing the size of the ears. Otoplasty aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing balance between the ears and face.

What does an otoplasty procedure involve?

Otoplasty typically takes place in the hospital. The procedure can be performed under general anesthetic or with a combined approach of local anesthetic and sedation. Patients can typically go home on the same day under supervision.

The surgeon will access the cartilage through an incision made behind the ear, within its crease. Different techniques will then be used to remove, score, shape and suture ear cartilage to achieve the desired shape or correction.

What happens during otoplasty recovery?

Any scarring from the incisions will be well hidden behind the ear and the results should be immediately visible once bandaging is removed.

To achieve the best results, patients must strictly follow after-care instructions due to the tendency of ear cartilage to return to its former shape. Patients will typically be required to wear a head wrap for a few days following surgery and then keep a head band on for a minimum of two weeks to retain the new ear shape. It's imperative any bandaging is kept in place or additional surgery may be necessary.

There may be pain immediately after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Patients should be recovered from surgery within a week and able to return to work or other daily activities after five to seven days. Any strenuous physical activity must be avoided for around three weeks.