Otoplasty (ears)

Prominent or protruding ears are one of the most common congenital deformities in the head and neck region, affecting around 1 in 20 people.

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty is a relatively simple operation to correct protruding ears. This treatment can result in a significant aesthetic improvement.

  • Reduce the size of protruding ears
  • Restore ear symmetry
  • Improve unusual/undesirable ear shape
Cosmedic and Skin Clinic Ear Surgery
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At a Glance

Procedure

Set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (May be eligible for a Medicare rebate)

Length

The surgery usually takes about 2 to 3 hours and is performed as a day procedure and may be carried out under local anaesthesia or a light sedation.

Side Effects

Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness. Risks Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion requiring repeat surgery.

Recovery

Patients are generally feeling able to return back to work/school after around 5 to 7 days post surgery. It is recommended that patients refrain from strenuous activity and contact sports for up to 1 to 2 months.

Results

An expertly performed Otoplasty will yield long lasting results for your ears. While the appearance of your ears may change as you grow older, this should not significantly impact your Otoplasty.

Risks

The chances of experiencing complications during this treatment, or as a result of it, are usually minimal. Possible risks include infection, over correction, blood clots and scarring. To read more about surgical risks please ‘click here’.

It is important that the method used to correct protruding ears are tailored to each patient.

What is ear pinning?

​This operation is usually performed to correct “sticky out ears”. For many children, protruding ears can cause significant concern.  Adults can also get corrective surgery on their ears to enhance the position, size and shape. There are a variety of shapes with which patients present and so naturally there are a variety of surgical options.

Also known as: Ear surgery, otoplasty, ear pinning surgery, big ear surgery
Desired results: Patients undergo ear pinning surgery to reduce the size of prominent or protruding ears.
Patients visit us from: Many patients visit from all over Australia. Although majority are from Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and surrounding suburbs.

Ear surgery scars

Generally the scars are located behind the ears so that they are inconspicuous, but sometimes there needs to be a scar on the front aspect of the ear to achieve the desired result.

What happens when you get your ears pinned back?

The surgery usually takes about 1—2 hours and is performed as a day procedure. The procedure may be carried out under local anaesthesia or a light sedation.  The operative technique will depend on your physical features. However, the most common techniques involve a small incision made on the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage.

A small incision, using either a scalpel or laser will be made on at the back of the ear so that the cartilage is exposed. The cartilage is then sculpted and bent back toward the head. This will create a more pronounced fold in the central portion of the ear. In cases where only one ear may protrude, the surgery is usually still performed on both ears for better balance.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?

Ear pinning is suitable for both adults and children who have protruding ears, ear asymmetry, undesirable ear shape or position.

How much is ear pinning?

The cost for otoplasty will be based on your individual requirements. Booking your initial consultation with Dr John Flynn will allow him to assess your concerns and provide an exact cost.

Ear surgery recovery time

Immediately following surgery a bandage will be applied and left in place for a couple of days.  After the bandage is removed this will be replaced with a lighter headband.  Swelling and bruising post-surgery is usually minimal and will subside in 3—7. Most patients are able to return to work or school within a few days.

Does ear pinning hurt?

You are likely to be uncomfortable for several days.  Any post-operative pain is usually easily controlled with medication and this is also organised for when you go home.

Should I get my ears pinned back?

If you’re considering getting your ears pinned back, the first step will be a comprehensive consultation with Dr John Flynn. During your initial consultation, Dr Flynn will evaluate your condition and determine whether ear pinning is required and suitable.

If you are a candidate for ear surgery, Dr Flynn will recommend the most effective technique. It’s important to keep in mind that the desired result is an improvement, not perfection.

Ear Surgery Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure there are risks, limitations and potential complications. Any surgery carries risks, which include infection and post-operative blood clots.

Bruising is common and resolves in a matter of days. Bleeding at the time of operation is well controlled but sometimes bleeding occurs after the operation and may collect as a haematoma. If a haematoma is large enough it may need to be drained.

Poor wound healing and scars that are too obvious can be troublesome, but very uncommon. There are treatments available to help to manage these problems. Sometimes there is altered sensation or numbness over part of the ear or adjacent tissue. Generally, this will resolve with time.

Major complications such as injury to nerves may cause abnormal movement patterns, which may not correct. This is extremely uncommon but has been reported.

Infection is uncommon but if it occurs it can be serious and treated immediately. All patients are treated with antibiotics to try to prevent infection. Severe infections may cause skin necrosis and loss of tissue, which will need to be repaired.

As with any procedure, Dr John Flynn will walk your through the risks and complications during your initial consultation.

Ear Surgery on the Gold Coast

To find out more information about our ear surgery on the Gold Coast or to book in a consultation, please contact us today.