Otoplasty Brisbane (Prominent Ear Surgery)

Otoplasty surgery or ‘ear pinning surgery’ is a procedure performed to correct prominent ears, is very effective in creating normal proportions of the ears and a sense of balance to the head and face.

Protruding ears may make it difficult to wear hats, caps, helmets and protective headgear in certain occupations. Women report feeling self-conscious about wearing their hair pulled back behind their ears or in a ponytail or bun.

In most people, the ear cartilage folds as it develops, and this allows the ear to rest relatively close to the scalp. When this fold does not form (or does not fully form), the ears protrude away from the head, creating prominent ears. The condition may affect one or both ears. By age six, the ear has reached approximately 85% of its adult size. This, or any time after, is the appropriate age to correct any abnormalities.

Otoplasty surgery may be performed under general anaesthetic or under sedation with long acting local anaesthesia. The procedure takes about 2 hours.  An incision is made on the posterior surface of the ear in the crease between the ear and the head (which will be hidden following the surgery), and permanent sutures are placed in the cartilage to produce a natural-appearing fold. The ear cartilage may also be anchored closer to the head with permanent stitches, and in a few patients, some cartilage may be removed.

Patients wear a protective head dressing the day for a couple of days and at night for 12 weeks. Patients are advised not to participate in sports where their ears may be bumped, bruised or pulled for 12 weeks following their Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery with Dr Konrat at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic.

It is critical that you are fully informed about the procedure: the information on this website has been written and is regularly updated by Dr Konrat. It was designed to provide as complete an informative experience as possible, but it does not take the place of a personal consultation.

You should never make a decision based on reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general and otoplasty (ear surgery) in particular.

Pre-Operation

• Consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat to examine the details of the problem and to plan its correction. A complete medical history is taken, and a thorough examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. Dr Konrat will describe the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs 1 week before and 1 week after your operation.  These medicines can thin your blood and aggravate bruising or bleeding unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol for two weeks before and after your procedure.
• You must stop smoking 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after your procedure. Smoking decreases the blood flow to the skin and can delay healing.
• You will need to make arrangements for someone pick you up from Hospital and remain at home with for the first 24 hours following your procedure for your safety.
• You must notify Dr Konrat if you have any medical problems or allergies to any tablets, drugs, dressings or any medication.
• Photographs and measurements are taken before and after surgery in order to evaluate the final results.
• Before making a decision to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.

Surgery Consent Form

The Operation

• The operation is performed as day surgery, with long-acting local anæsthetic and sedation or general anaesthesia.
• In most cases, even when only one ear appears to protrude or ’stick-out’, both ears are usually operated on to ensure a more balanced appearance post-operatively. An incision is made in the natural crease hidden behind the ear.
• Permanent sutures are placed in the cartilage to produce a natural-looking fold.
• The ear cartilage may also be anchored closer to the head with permanent sutures. In a few patients, some cartilage may be removed.

Post-Operation

• You must organise for someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You will not be discharged from the hospital unless there is someone to pick you up. Transport by Taxi, Uber or public transport is not allowed.
• You will wear a protective head garment for 2 days after the procedure and for 12 weeks at night to ensure that your ears are protected until healing is fully matured.
• Stitches are usually removed, or dissolve in about a week and adult patients usually return to work about 7 days after surgery.
• You may experience moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescription oral anti-inflammatory and pain medication prescribed by Dr Konrat. Ice packs in the form of Frozen Peas are highly recommended in the first 24 – 48 hours. We recommend on for 5 minutes and off for 15 minutes.
• It is also recommended that you wear a wide headband, the head garment provided by Dr Konrat, or a beanie to bed at night to prevent the ears folding forwards whilst turning over during sleep. The stitches in the ear cartilage are not fully secure for 3 months following surgery.
• You must not participate in sports where your ears might be bumped, bruised or pulled for 6 weeks following otoplasty surgery.

Risks Specific to Otoplasty Brisbane / Ear Pinning Brisbane Surgery

Overcorrection: this places the ears too close to the head and may require a revision surgery.

Keloid/Hypertrophic scar formation: a thick scar that grows larger than is expected.

Infection: It is important to take the prescribed antibiotics following the surgery to prevent infection.

Bruising, Bleeding & Haematoma: Localised swelling due to an accumulation of blood in the cartilage of the ear. The risk of hematoma from Otoplasty is considered small, but early contact with your treating Doctor will decrease risks of deformity as a result.

Asymmetry: No surgery can predict perfect symmetry and indeed no person is perfectly symmetrical but every effort is made to provide an improvement in proportion and shape.

Loosening of, or tearing through of the sutures in the cartilage can cause the ear to return to its original position. Patient aftercare of their ears is of utmost importance for optimal results.

General Risks of Surgery

Because surgery is such a vital part of modern medicine, there is a tendency to forget that there are risks associated with every type of surgery.  While these risks are small, every person undergoing surgery should be aware of the risks.

Wounds

All internal and external wounds need time to heal after surgery.  Sutures, stitches and other material are used to hold wounds closed while they heal.

Infections

Despite taking precautions, infections can occur during and just after surgery.  Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the risk of post operative infection.

DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis)

Patients have a risk of forming a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that, on rare occasions may break off and get stuck in the lung circulation (pulmonary embolism).  This is minimized by early mobilization after the surgery. You will also be encouraged to breathe deeply when you wake up from the anesthetic as this expands your lungs and helps ensure your blood oxygen levels are good. Walking and exercising your legs helps reduce the risk of developing a clot in the legs.

Risks of Anæsthesia

Otoplasty may be performed under long acting local anaesthetic with oral sedation or it may be performed under general anaesthesia.

• Local Anaesthetic:
• Rarely a person may have an allergic reaction to the local anæsthetic, or experience a reaction to any of the medications administered during the surgery.
• It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection.
• Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and can be stressful.

Please discuss openly with Dr Konrat in your consultation prior to surgery, any history of emotional depression or mental health disorders.  If you are unsure whether a matter is relevant, please mention it anyway.

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your surgery. All specifics will be discussed with Dr Konrat during your initial consultation.