Otoplasty
Change the appearance of your ears with otoplasty
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that changes the angle and shape of protruding or uneven ears.
This surgery can be performed on children and adults. Ear surgery reshapes part of the cartilage in the ears, allowing them to lie closer to the side of the head. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and fourteen. However, otoplasty can also be performed effectively on teenagers and adults.
Cosmetic ear surgery is designed to address the patient’s personal aesthetic concerns with their ears and is not performed to correct functional concerns.
A good candidate for otoplasty
A good candidate for otoplasty, also known as ear surgery or ear pinning, typically includes individuals who have prominent or protruding ears that cause self-consciousness or dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Candidates should be in good overall health, both physically and psychologically, to undergo a surgical procedure. Ideal candidates will also have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and understand its limitations.
It’s essential that candidates are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to facilitate proper healing.
As for age, candidates need to be at least five years old, as the ear cartilage is usually stable enough for correction. You will need to consult with your surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. He will evaluate your specific concerns, medical history, and physical characteristics to provide personalised advice and guidance.
Your consultation with Dr Hanikeri
During your first consultation with Dr Hanikeri, your specific concerns and requirements will be carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
As every patient is unique, with their own preferences and concerns, the steps involved in otoplasty can vary. Your initial consultation serves as an opportunity to discuss your desired outcomes, ask any questions you may have, and collaboratively establish a customised treatment plan. Additionally, your suitability as a candidate for the procedure will be assessed through a series of questions and evaluations. This ensures that otoplasty is performed only on suitable candidates, minimising the risk of postoperative complications.
During the consultation, a detailed discussion regarding the total costs associated with your otoplasty procedure will take place. You will receive a comprehensive Surgical Fee Estimate, providing a clear breakdown of all relevant fees.
Otoplasty surgery costs in Perth
The costs associated with otoplasty procedures are individually determined, as each step of the process is customised to meet the unique needs of each patient. Dr Hanikeri will carefully evaluate your specific requirements during an initial consultation. We can then provide you with a precise cost estimation for the procedure based on your individual circumstances.
Consultation fees
The fee for your initial consultation to discuss the otoplasty surgery procedure will be $250. This is required at the time of making a booking to secure your appointment. Additional consultations required to clarify the procedure plan will be $120.
Aftercare expenses
We believe in providing exceptional support throughout your recovery journey. That is why post-operative check-ups, dressing changes, and suture removal are all included in the procedure cost and do not incur additional fees.
Your Surgical Fee Estimate
The fees for otoplasty encompass the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, and hospital fees. The complexity of the procedure, the specific type of surgery required, and the duration of the operation can impact the overall costs. Since these factors vary for each patient, a comprehensive discussion regarding your unique procedure plan will take place during the consultation. At the conclusion of the consultation, you will receive a Surgical Fee Estimate that provides a detailed breakdown of all your fees.
Payment plan option
Patients have the option to participate in our pre-procedure payment plan prior to the procedure date. The full payment must be made at least two weeks before the procedure date, and you have the flexibility to make instalment payments on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to that date. This interest-free payment plan requires an initial deposit of $500 to secure your desired procedure date. It is important to note that we are unable to accommodate third-party payment plans, as this practice is not permitted by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and AHPRA.
For a more comprehensive understanding of your expenses and to receive a detailed fee estimate, please reach out to our team and schedule your initial consultation.
The procedure
Otoplasty is usually performed under Local Anaesthesia with Sedation or General Anaesthetic, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Incision placement
The surgeon will make small incisions on the back of the ear or within the natural creases to minimise visible scarring. The exact incision pattern may vary depending on the desired changes and the individual patient’s anatomy.
Cartilage reshaping
The surgeon will access the underlying ear cartilage through the incisions. Techniques such as scoring, suturing, or cartilage removal may be used to reshape and reposition the cartilage to create a more balanced and natural-looking ear shape. The surgeon will sculpt the ear to achieve the desired result, which may involve reducing the prominence of the ear, correcting asymmetry, or addressing specific ear deformities.
Ear positioning
In cases where the ears protrude excessively from the head, the surgeon will utilise techniques to bring them closer to the head. This may involve sutures or the creation of folds in the cartilage to achieve a more desirable ear position for the patient, according to the patient’s personal preferences.
Incision closure
After the necessary adjustments are made, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions using sutures. The incisions are typically closed in layers to promote optimal healing and minimise the risk of visible scarring.
The specific techniques and steps involved in otoplasty may vary depending on the patient’s unique needs, goals, and the surgeon’s preferred approach. It’s best to consult with your plastic surgeon in person to discuss your individual case and receive personalised recommendations.
What to expect post-ear surgery
After surgery, a bulky bandage will cover your ears. The bandage will remain in place for around seven days. The ear may be bruised, swollen and tender once the bandages are removed. An unevenness of the ears is also common in the first days after surgery. This will usually resolve over time and the final contour will become evident after several weeks.
You may experience pain, swelling and discomfort for the first few days after surgery. Paracetamol is usually sufficient in relieving pain. Your surgeon may advise that you wear an elastic headband at night to protect the shape of the ears for several weeks. Sleeping with the head elevated on two pillows may reduce swelling.
Avoid activities that may bend or hurt the ears, such as contact sports. Do not wear earrings. Adults can return to work after the removal of their bandages. Children can go back to school after seven days but must be careful in the playground.
Risks and complications
The risks associated with having an ear correction procedure are quite rare. However, as with all surgery, complications can still sometimes occur.
General Risks of Surgery
- Bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia.
- Some pain and discomfort at your wound site should be expected during your recovery period
- Wound infection (treatment with antibiotics may be needed)
- Keloid or thickened scars (most scars fade and flatten, but some may become keloid or hypertrophic, and remain raised, itchy, thick and red. Such scars can be annoying but are not a threat to health. Additional surgery or injection treatment may be needed to try to improve the scar).
Specific complications that may occur after ear correction surgery:
Both ears may not match perfectly because exact symmetry is unlikely and unnatural. Further surgery may be needed to correct symmetry problems or irregularities in the cartilage.
Numbness, tightness and sensitivity of the ear area will be present immediately after the surgery and usually returns to normal after a maximum of one month.
Broken sutures can result in the ears returning to their original position.
Temporary loss of sensation can occur in the skin around the surgical site and the surface of the ears. In most cases, sensation returns, but loss of sensation can be permanent.
Increased sensitivity to cold or touch
Small areas of skin overlying the cartilage of the ear may die, resulting in the formation of an ulcer that may take several weeks to heal. Usually an ulcer heals satisfactorily with dressings, but an area of increased scarring may sometimes be the result.
