OTOPLASTY

WHAT IS AN OTOPLASTY?
Otoplasty is also known as prominent ear surgery. Ear surgery aims to change the angle and shape of protruding or uneven ears in children (and adults). Ear surgery reshapes part of the cartilage in the ears, allowing them to lie closer to the side of the head. 

You may be a good candidate for ear surgery if :

• You have protruding ears
• You have lop ear – when the tip seems to fold down and forward
• You have cupped ear – a very small ear
• You have shell ear – when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Children who undergo ear surgery usually receive general anaesthesia. Adults often receive local anaesthesia and conscious sedation. You will be in hospital for between 4-6 hours and will be discharged the same day.

Generally speaking, ear surgery involves the fold of skin behind the ear being cut to expose the underlying cartilage and the excess cartilage is removed. 

For the most part, the operation is commonly done on children between the ages of 4 and 14. This is because a child’s ear cartilage is soft and easy to mould. In teenagers and adults, the firmer cartilage of fully formed ears does not allow the same degree of moulding. Saying this, ear surgery can still be effective in teenagers and adults. 

Dr. Miteff performs surgery at :

Private Hospitals

• Lingard Private Hospital
• Warners Bay Private Hospital

Public Hospitals

• John Hunter Children’s Hospital
• Belmont District Hospital (>14 years)

RECOVERY & HEALING
You will generally be discharged wearing a head bandage which must be left in place for approximately 2 weeks. 

Once the bandages are removed, the ears will need to be treated with care for a further 4 weeks and most patients are instructed to sleep with a wide headband over their ears for 4 weeks. It is natural for the ears to be slightly bruised and swollen after surgery and this may take several weeks to subside.

BENEFITS OF AN OTOPLASTY

• Improved facial proportions
• Enhanced overall appearance
• Natural-looking results
• Little to no visible scarring, however, keloid scarring can occur with ear surgery
  

MEDICARE CRITERIA
The Medicare item number is 45659. At this stage, Medicare and your health fund will only contribute to this surgery if you are under 18 years of age. If you are over 18 the procedure is considered cosmetic and no rebates apply. We encourage our patients to check with their health fund to see if they are covered for surgery before their consultation/surgery.