Otoplasty Melbourne
A relatively simple surgery designed to restore balance to the ears, not draw attention.
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)
Otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to make the ears appear less prominent through reshaping and/or repositioning. They will sit further back along the head area, reducing their prominence from the front.
By the age of 5 or 6, our ears have reached about 80% of their final size. Ear surgery can be performed from this age onwards.
To keep any visible scarring at a minimum, incisions are placed behind the ear or in the ear folds.
Common Reasons Why People Consider Having Otoplasty
Ear surgery is used to address cosmetic concerns or deformities, such as prominent or protruding, ears that fold over at the top (known as ‘lop ears’), severe asymmetry, birth defects or anomalies involving the ears, or injury that has impacted the appearance of the ears.
What is Involved with Otoplasty?
- Local or general anaesthetic
- Surgery duration: around one to two hours
- Dressing wrapped around the ears to protect them and help with swelling
- Patients are usually able to go home the same day
During ear surgery, an incision is made on the back of the ear. The ridge within the cartilage (known as the antihelical fold, which is responsible for folding the ear back) will be recreated and some internal sutures used to maintain this new position. In some cases, other parts of the ear, such as the ear lobe or bowl (concha), may also be reduced.
Post Operative Care and Review
While recovery may vary from person to person, the general timeline of what to expect is as follows:
24-48 hours after surgery
You will wear a light bandage over the ears for a week to protect them. Some discomfort for the first few days is completely normal. This can be relieved with pain medication. Any lingering ear redness or tenderness usually resolves in a few months.It’s recommended that you take about a week off work to recover.
10 days after surgery
A follow-up appointment will be made seven to 10 days after surgery to remove the bandages and check that the wound is well-healed.
Six weeks after surgery
Your ears will be tender if bumped or knocked, so you should avoid any activities that could put pressure on them. Contact sport should be avoided for six weeks and a protective headband should be worn when sleeping to minimise accidental damage.
Surgical Goals
- YOUR SAFETY.
- Address the prominence and/or position of the ears.
- Address the shape of the ears (if required).
- Preserve the current appearance of the ear so that the patient doesn’t look “operated on”.
Risks To Consider
Anaesthetic
In otherwise well people, general anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques. A/Prof White’s rooms will provide the details of your anaesthetist prior to surgery so you can discuss any specific concerns.
Bleeding (hematoma)
While this will usually have no effect on your long-term outcome, it may require the sutures to be removed and the bruising beneath the skin to be washed out.
Infection
This is rare, however, antibiotics may help to minimise your risk.
Skin contour irregularities
Recurrence
The ‘memory’ of the ear cartilage may cause the prominence to recur in some patients (around 5-7%). If this was to occur, the surgery can be safely performed again.
Asymmetry
No two ears are exactly the same before surgery, so mild asymmetry after the procedure is acceptable. Anything more than mild asymmetry may need additional surgery.
Changes in skin sensation around the ears
Numbness may be experienced after surgery, but this usually settles over a few weeks (or months).
Poor wound healing
This is more common in smokers or if an infection occurred.
Scarring
Some people have a tendency to form poor scars (known as keloid scars), which is sometimes unpredictable. Additional scar treatment may be required.
Blood clots
While these are extremely rare, they are a risk with all surgeries and can be life threatening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be for otoplasty surgery?
Ear surgery can be performed on children from the age of five or six onwards. The timing of the procedure should be determined in consultation with your surgeon and consider factors such as the child’s maturity and the severity of the ear prominence. It can also be performed on adults.
Can ear surgery affect my hearing?
As the procedure focuses on the outer ear, there is a very low risk of your hearing being affected.
Is recovery from otoplasty painful?
Ear surgery is generally well tolerated, and most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate. Some soreness, tightness, or throbbing around the ears is normal in the first few days. Your surgeon will prescribe or recommend appropriate pain relief to keep you comfortable during recovery. Any discomfort usually improves within a few days and is well managed with medication and supportive measures like icing and head elevation.
Plastic Surgery for Protruding or Prominent Ears
If you’re considering otoplasty for yourself or your child, Associate Professor Dean White is here to guide you through the process with experience, compassion, and a focus on achieving natural-looking results. Every ear is different, and so is every treatment plan.
To learn more or to book an appointment, please get in touch with our helpful team. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.