Otoplasty (prominent ears, bat ears)
- What is it?
Otoplasty is making ears less prominent by bringing them back to a more natural position. Its main effect is to give the face a more balanced look because attention is no longer focused on the ears as it can be before surgery.
- Is Mr Callan experienced at this procedure?
This is an important question to ask. Not only is Mr Callan experienced at this procedure, but he performs it regularly and keeps up to date with the latest techniques. It is also important to know that as a fully trained plastic surgeon Mr Callan performs this procedure to the high standards of Australian Plastic Surgery.
- Can I see photographs?
You can see photographs in our office when you have a consultation. As Mr Callan performs this procedure frequently, there are large numbers of photographs to look at many of which will be of patients with a problem similar to yours. We do not publish photographs on the web for a number of reasons, but the most important of these is that you need realistic photographs for your particular ear surgery.
- Who has otoplasty?
Children aged 5 onwards who want less prominent ears. However this surgery is often performed on older children and adults right into later adulthood.
- Am I or my child suitable?
You need to be sensible, honest about your reasons, happy with your informed decision, and be as healthy as possible. For children, it is difficult to know whether or not such surgery performed before school is beneficial psychologically, but it certainly works and gives them a more harmonious appearance with attention no longer drawn to the ears. For adults, a time of personal crisis is no time to be making decisions about such surgery.
- What would stop me or my child from having the surgery?
You must not be smoking, under stress when making your decision, or have a medical condition that would make surgery unsafe.
- How is it done?
Otoplasty surgery is done via an incision behind the ears, from where the ear is moved back and occasionally reshaped to give more harmonious appearance.
- Are there scars?
The only incision line is one behind the ear, which is difficult to see even from behind. Very rarely a thicker scar may form which requires treatment.
- What are the benefits?
This is entirely a personal matter. If the appearance of your ears or your child's ears is distressing, less prominent ears may be the answer. However the benefits depend on whether or not you have been properly and whether or not your expectations are realistic. This needs to be discussed if appropriate.
- What are the risks?
All surgery carries some element of risk. You can minimize your risk by being as healthy as possible and as psychologically prepared as possible, by selecting an experienced and qualified surgeon, and having a stress free time during which to recover. Despite this there are some risks that you will need to discuss. The most common of these is slight asymmetry, which is usually minor and requires no correction.
- How long am I in hospital for?
Ear surgery is usually a day procedure. Someone will need to take you home and should be with you the first night. Otoplasty is not a particularly painful procedure for children, but adults can be a little uncomfortable for a couple of days as their ears are not as soft as a child's.
- How long will I need to recover?
This varies but usually ranges from a few days to a week depending on what you do. If your activities are sedentary, then you may only need a few days, but if you do heavy work and lifting you may need to take it a little easy for a week or two. It's a good idea to take some time so as you don't put pressure on your recovery. The same guidelines apply to exercise, with mild to moderate exercise allowable early on to full aerobic activities by two weeks. By the way, you can shower the day after surgery, as dressings come off the next day. You must not drive until you are fully recovered from both the anaesthetic and the discomfort of surgery so as you are fully capable. If in doubt, don't.
- Will I wear a head dressing after surgery?
As stated above, the bandage comes off the next day. After that no dressings or bandages are required during the day, but a soft headband should be worn at night for three weeks. We will supply you with one if you don't already have one.
- Will I need to be seen after surgery?
Yes. We will keep in close contact with you by telephone for the first few days and then will see you about two weeks after surgery, then at three months. You are of course welcome to call or visit anytime with any concerns.
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