Otoplasty Sydney
Your complete guide and quick links to everything you want to know! about Otoplasty in Sydney!
What Is An Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the shape, size or position of the ears. Although mostly performed for ears that stick out too far from the head, otoplasty can also be used if one or both ears have been deformed through injury.
Protruding ears in both adults and children are not uncommon. They develop due to anatomical abnormalities in the ear cartilage. Otoplasty can correct these abnormalities and bring about an immediate and permanent improvement of facial appearance.
Otoplasty is a very rewarding form of ear surgery for both surgeon and patient because the patient’s appearance can dramatically improve. Men can wear their hair as short as they wish. Women can wear eye-catching earrings with their hair pulled back and not attract stares from others!
With children, it’s important that the Otoplasty is done at around 6-7 years of age. This is to avoid the teasing and bullying that this condition can attract around this age. Continual teasing by other children can be devastating for a child. It can lead to self-consciousness, body image problems and more serious psychological disorders. Early treatment is therefore recommended.
Although Otoplasty is more often requested by teenagers and adults, doing it in childhood holds the following advantages:
- The cartilage in children is softer and more easily moulded.
- It avoids the risk of teasing from other children at school – not uncommon in children around this age.
Otoplasty Techniques
Very important, please read thoroughly
Currently, there are two techniques available for performing Otoplasty that deserve your very careful attention and consideration:
1. Incisional Otoplasty
This is the established and time-proven technique to permanently correct protruding ears. An incision is made on the back of the ear and the ear cartilage is exposed. The cartilage is then modified to allow the ear to sit closer to the side of the head. The skin incision is closed with sutures that either dissolve or are removed 7-10 days later.
The resulting scar is located on the back of the ear becomes very inconspicuous over time.
2. Non-Incisional Otoplasty
In recent years, a less invasive method of pinning back protruding ears using only sutures, has been widely promoted by non-Surgeons & General Practitioners.
While this alternative technique may appear very tempting, bear in mind that:
- Not all ear deformities can be corrected using sutures alone. Your final result could be less satisfactory than expected; and
- There is the risk that the sutures holding the ears back under tension will fail. This would allow the original deformity to spring back into place!
For those reasons, our Specialist Surgeons at Sydney Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Clinic do not recommend, nor perform, the Non-Incisional Technique.
A Comparison Table Summary of the Two Techniques
| Non-Incisional Otoplasty | Incisional Otoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
|
| 
|
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| Incision | No incision is involved. Instead, a series of sutures are inserted to pin the ears back closer to the head. | Incision is made along the back of the ear to gain access to the underlying cartilage and correct whichever deformities are causing the protrusion. |
| Effectiveness & Duration of Correction | A less reliable technique. Owing to the tension involved, the suture may fail to hold and allow the original deformity to spring back out of place. If the sutures fail, the procedure needs to be repeated or preferably, replaced with the Incisional Technique. | Better able to address all the finer causes of each individual’s ear protrusion. A more effective & permanent result. |
| Anaesthesia | Can be performed under Local Anaesthesia +/- Sedation | General Anaesthesia |
| Operating Time | 1½ hours | 2 hours |
| Scar | None | Usually fine and very inconspicuous on the back of the ear. |
How Is An Otoplasty Performed?
An Incisional Otoplasty is performed by our Specialist Surgeon in a Licensed Hospital under General Anaesthesia administered by our Specialist Anaesthetist.
However, overnight stay is not required. You can go home shortly after the procedure but you cannot go home alone. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Post-operative pain is usually mild only. It can be relieved with the analgesics that your doctor will prescribe for you.
Recovery After Otoplasty
Initially, your ear(s) need to be covered with a bulky compression bandage for around 7 days.
Sutures are usually removed when the bandage is taken off.
When your doctor removes the bandage, the ear(s) may look bruised, swollen and uneven. Do not be alarmed. These appearances are normal and will settle over the ensuing 2-3 weeks.
After your compression bandage is removed, your surgeon may recommend that you wear a tennis-type headband, at nights only, for a further 2-3 weeks. This is to provide support to the re-shaped ear cartilage during its healing phase.
Most adult patients prefer to wait for the bandages to be removed before returning to work. Strenuous exercise should be avoided in the first 2-3 weeks.
Children can return to school when the bandages are removed but need to take extra care during playground time.
Females should avoid wearing earrings until all swelling has subsided. This is because inserting them can be difficult, as well as the risk of introducing an infection.
Final Scars After Otoplasty
- Usually fine and very inconspicuous on the back of the ear.
- Most otoplasty scars eventually fade to white and very inconspicuous. However, if you have brown or Asian skin you may be at risk of developing pigmented scars.
Otoplasty ‘Before & After’
Potential Risks & Complications of Otoplasty
Surgery and anaesthesia nowadays are considered generally safe but both have potential risks and complications which include:
Specific to Otoplasty:
- Pain, bruising and swelling of the ears. These are normal, expected and temporary only.
- Areas of numbness which are usually temporary, rarely permanent.
- Asymmetry of the two ears or cartilage irregularities requiring adjustment surgery.
- Wound infection requiring topical wound care and antibiotics.
- Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) which may require drainage.
- Slow or poor healing – more likely in smokers and diabetics.
- Wide or thickened scars (hypertrophic or keloid) could occur if you are prone to them and pigmented scars are more likely in those with brown or Asian skin.
- Small areas of skin breakdown which could take several weeks to heal.
General Risks:
- Allergic reaction to medications, sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and its potential sequel of life-threatening Pulmonary Embolism: To reduce the risk of DVT, Calf Massagers can be applied for the entire duration of your surgery to prevent the blood in your leg veins from pooling and clotting.
- Adverse Reactions to Anaesthesia or Medication: The safety of anaesthesia nowadays in Australia is well established. Nevertheless, potential risks exist with all anaesthesia and unexpected reactions can occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions ranging from minor to severe. Respiratory failure, heart failure, heart attack and stroke are very rare but documented risks of any anaesthesia.
‘Pros & Cons’ of Otoplasty
The Pros:
- It is a short-duration procedure.
- No hospital stay is required. You can return home 1-2 hours after your surgery.
- The results with the Incisional Technique are permanent.
- Complication rates are low.
- Post-operative pain is usually mild only and controlled with pain-relievers.
- You may qualify for a Medicare Rebate if you are under 18 years of age.
The Cons:
- You will need around one week off work while wearing the compression bandage.
- Severely deformed ‘cauliflower ears’ may not be amenable to correction.
- If you have brown or Asian skin, the final scar on the back of the ear could end up pigmented.
The Cost of Otoplasty in Sydney
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Otoplasty Sydney
The total cost of Otoplasty Surgery in Sydney is made up of the following individual costs:
- Surgical Fee:
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One Ear From $6,000*
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Both Ears From $12,000*
* depending on the complexity of the Otoplasty.
- Hospital Fee: Hospitals differ in their hourly rates for Operating Theatres. Our Surgeon will advise you of the expected Theatre Fees once it has been determined which hospital you will be attending and how long your procedure will take.
- Anaesthetist Fee: This will basically depend on the duration of the surgery. Anaesthetic Fees are generally around $880/hour.
Can I Claim a Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebate?
Incisional Otoplasty may be eligible for a Medicare Rebate if you are under 18 years of age.
If you are eligible, and you also have Private Hospital Insurance, a variable portion of your Hospital Fees can also be claimed depending on your Fund and Level of Cover.