Genetics play a significant role in dictating the shape and size of our ears. In situations where ears appear to be misshapen or especially prominent, otoplasty can be performed.

Otoplasty is a procedure for correcting protruding ears by setting them back closer to the head, and repairing large, stretched, and split earlobes or lobes with large creases. It is performed for aesthetic and medical reasons (being dependent on strict Medicare* eligibility criteria).  Patients must be over the age of five or six years, a time when children can become self-conscious or seen as different by their peers.

Surgery takes approximately one hour in a fully accredited hospital under either general or local anaesthesia (with or without sedation) as day surgery or short hospital stay. This is dependent on your health and level of procedure.

Operative techniques vary depending on your features. For example, to create a more pronounced fold in the central portion of the ear, Dr Page removes skin from the back of the ear and adjusts the cartilage beneath for the desired shape and position. In some instances, incisions are made on the front surface of the ear, placed discreetly within the normal contours or creases. After correction, incisions are sutured and ears carefully padded with cotton wool and secured with a bandage.

Recovery will involve some bleeding and bruising. In some cases, a setback ear may protrude again and will require a second procedure.

Following surgery, a head bandage is applied for one week and worn at night for another two weeks. A return to routine occurs within the week and exercise after three.

*From 1 November 2018, this procedure was deemed by Medicare to be purely aesthetic (cosmetic) for patients aged over 18 years old.

Risks and Complications

At Dr Rohan Page’s practice, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to ensure you are well informed about otoplasty surgery’s risks and potential complications. While we take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks, it’s essential to acknowledge that some risks may be unavoidable.

Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature. During your consultation with Dr Rohan Page, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, he will discuss your surgical procedure’s specific risks and complications.

However, we have outlined some general risks associated with otoplasty surgery below:

1. Asymmetrical ears: In some cases, there may be a slight variation in the symmetry of the ears following surgery. Further surgery may be required to correct any noticeable asymmetry in such instances.
2. Re-protrusion of the ears: Although uncommon, there is a possibility that the ears may protrude again after the initial surgery. If this occurs, additional surgery may be necessary to address the re-protrusion.
3. Nausea and loss of balance: During the healing process, fluid accumulation within the inner ear can lead to temporary feelings of nausea and loss of balance. While this is usually a temporary condition, it can be more severe in some instances.
4. Temporary or permanent loss of sensation: There is a risk of temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the skin around the surgical site and on the ear’s surface. This occurrence varies among individuals and should be discussed with Dr Rohan Page.
5. Ulcer formation: In rare cases, small areas of skin covering the cartilage of the ear may experience reduced blood supply, leading to the formation of an ulcer. Healing time for these ulcers can take several weeks.

It’s important to note that while complications are not typically expected with ear correction surgery, there is a possibility of bleeding and bruising. Occasionally, a setback ear may protrude again, necessitating a secondary procedure. To minimise the risk of complications, it’s crucial to follow the advice and instructions provided by your surgeon carefully. Achieving perfect symmetry between the two sides of the face is unrealistic, but Dr Rohan Page will work diligently to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome for you.

Please consult with Dr Rohan Page, our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, who will provide personalised information based on your circumstances.