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Contact the practice of Dr. Craig Layt to schedule your facial cosmetic surgery consultation today.
Benowa Clinic, Gold Coast
Suite 1, AHC House,
14 Carrara Street,
Benowa QLD 4215
Phone: (07) 5597 4100
Ballina Clinic
Ballina Health Centre,
32 Tamar Street,
Ballina, NSW, 2478
Phone: (13) 0066 7763
Ear Reshaping/COrrection - Otoplasty
- What is an Otoplasty?
- Who is a candidate?
- What can you expect after the operation?
- What are the potential risks?
What is an Otoplasty?
An otoplasty is an operation to correct a deformity of the ears. Most commonly, this deformity takes the form of ears that stick out too far from the side of the head and is a family trait. Often the fold of the ear is underdeveloped or has completely failed to develop. In this instance, the operation involves taking a small amount of skin from behind the ear and then making cuts in the cartilage to weaken it and create a new fold. The other common problem is when the ear has a very large conchal bowl (the cup-shaped area near the ear opening). Sometimes the operation involves reduction of this.
The operation is performed as a day case. In children it is best performed under general anaesthetic. In adults it can be performed under a general anaesthesia however if specifically requested it can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. The operation attracts an item number from Medicare and therefore some of the costs will be borne by Medicare and your Private Health Fund.
Disclaimer:
These before and after photos are of patients that have had surgery performed by Dr Layt. These patients have consented to the photos to be shown. These are the actual photos and the photos have not been altered or digitally enhanced. Every patient is an individual and therefore final surgical results will vary from patient to patient.
Disclaimer:
These before and after photos are of patients that have had surgery performed by Dr Layt. These patients have consented to the photos to be shown. These are the actual photos and the photos have not been altered or digitally enhanced. Every patient is an individual and therefore final surgical results will vary from patient to patient.
Who is a candidate?
People who have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head or whose ears have an unusual or undesirable shape are candidates for otoplasty. Children need to be old enough to understand the need to keep their bandages in place. A child older than 4-5 years of age is generally suitable depending on their maturity.
The aim is to produce ears that have normal folds and shape with the normal protrusion from the side of the head.
What can you expect after the operation?
The ears will be bandaged in a turban-like fashion, which must remain in place for 10 days. It is not a particularly painful operation. Discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications. Children will occasionally vomit the evening after the procedure. This is a response to having their ears operated on. Generally, after 2 to 3 days there is very little discomfort.
An appointment will be made for the bandages to be removed at about a week to 10 days and you may then wash your hair. The ears will be a little swollen, red and bruised but this will settle rapidly. It is best to wear a headband at night for one month whilst healing continues to avoid bending the ears forward at night and affecting the final result. Contact sports should be avoided during this time.
What are the potential risks?
Modern surgery is safe. There is, however, no such thing as 'risk free' surgery. The important thing is to understand any potential risks and minimise their occurrence. You will be fully briefed on pre and post-operative procedures to assist you with the best possible surgery experience, recovery phase and final outcome.