| | Surgical procedure to correct a protruding ear
There are a number of different types of operations designed to treat prominent ears, depending on whether the degree of protrusion is mild or severe, and on the need to correct the shape of the earlobe.
Otoplasty's are often performed in children, at about the age of 6, as the ear is almost fully developed at that stage, and correction can prevent stress related to the condition.
The procedures are virtually identical in adults, where they can easily be done in a day surgery setting.
Most operations involve an incision at the back of the ear, which exposes the cartilage. The cartilage is then sutured in a way to reduce prominence of the ear lobe.
And if needed, by scoring or excising part of the cartilage, an adjustment to the shape of the earlobe can be effected. The surgery is customized to each patients unique needs.
In a new advance, at the Aesthetica image centre, the Surgitron electronic scalpel is used to make the incision and adjust the cartilage.
This has given us better results, and better healing than the standard techniques, and makes the doctor's task easier, by minimizing bleeding during the procedure.
The operation takes from 30 minutes to one hour per ear, and usually is
performed using local anaesthesia in combination with light intravenous sedation.
Sutures typically are removed seven days after surgery, or dissolve over that time.
An important part of the procedure is the wearing of a headband, which helps the ear cartilage to heal in it's new position. This must be worn continuously for at least 10 days, to promote the best possible outcome from the procedure.
Although bruising and swelling around the ears may occur, these settle, usually resolving in one to three weeks. When surgery is performed with a laser or Surgitron, bruising is usually reduced.
The skin scars heal as inconspicuous thin lines in nearly all patients within a few weeks, and are usually not detectable, as they are hidden behind the ear.
Most patients advise that there is only mild discomfort after the procedure, easily controlled if necessary by analgesics. Returning to normal activities can often be achieved after only several days rest.
Aesthetica Otoplasty..Important points to consider.
Otoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery procedure, and many thousands are successfully performed each year.
The potential for haematoma, infection, numbness, and hypertrophic scarring is present, but is small (approx 1%), and the use of new technology, and prophylactic antibiotics help minimize the incidence of these events.
Occasionally, a second procedure may be required if the amount of correction is slightly too little, or if a treated ear begins to protrude again, which happens in a small number of cases.
In general, Otoplasty is a relatively safe and straightforward operation, with great patient satisfaction.
Photographs and additional patient educational materials are available.
If you require further information, pricing, or a no obligation consultation, please contact our practice manager Julie Dean via the email address link below. We look forward to further communication.
Aesthetica Melbourne
55 Claremont Street South Yarra 3141 Melbourne Victoria Australia.
Freecall 1800 062 181 Phone 03 9829 7777 Facsimile 03 99829 7766
email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Aesthetica Sydney - Enhance Clinic
793 George Street Sydney NSW Australia.
Phone 1300 699 433 Facsimile 02 9212 2201
email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
| | | 
|
|
Otoplasty