Otoplasty

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

Otoplasty (ear surgery) usually involves making an incision behind the ear and removing a small amount of excess skin. The underlying cartilage, which gives the ear its shape and structure, may be adjusted with sutures to modify the position or contour of the ear. In some cases, the cartilage is folded and secured with stitches rather than removed.

The procedure typically leaves a scar behind the ear, which is positioned in a natural crease. The size, visibility, and healing of scars vary between individuals. Surgery is sometimes performed on both ears, even if one ear is more prominent, to maintain balance.

Otoplasty generally takes 1–2 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. Many people can return home a few hours after surgery, although an overnight stay may occasionally be required. Adult patients should arrange for another person to drive them home.

As with all surgical procedures, otoplasty surgery does have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. It is not common practice for any surgeon to outline in detail every possible side effect or rare complication. However, it is important that you are informed of the more common risks and the less common but potentially very significant complications, so you can carefully weigh the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of surgery. It is usually possible to provide a more comprehensive list of potential risks and complications related to surgery, so that any risks particularly relevant to an individual can be identified and discussed further.

The following possible complications are listed to inform and not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed. Smoking, obesity, and other significant medical problems will cause greater risk of complications.

Some general risks and possible complications of surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion.
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions.
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery.
• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening.
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s).
• Slow healing.
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia.
• Tissue cannot heal without scarring and that how one scars is dependent on individual genetic characteristics. Dr Avery will do his best to minimise scarring but cannot control its ultimate appearance.
• Smoking or using nicotine products during the 3–4-week pre-operative and post-operative periods is prohibited as these could dramatically increase the chances of complications.
• All medications I am currently taking, including prescriptions, over the counter remedies, herbal therapies and supplements, aspirin, and any other recreational drug or alcohol use can affect the safety of my surgery.
• There can be no guarantees about the results of any surgery.

Specific risks for otoplasty surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

Allergic reactions

• Scarring – Keloid scars are more likely on ears
• Asymmetry in healing or scarring
• Swelling
• Bleeding, haematoma
• Hearing change due to change in shape of ear canal
• Bruising
• Pain and discomfort
• Change in sensation of the ear
• Unsatisfactory result
• Revision surgery
• Further recovery time if further surgery is required
• Infection
• Temporary discomfort
• Recurrence (partial or complete)

The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has further information about otoplasty surgery including the possible risks for this surgery.

Most otoplasty procedures are performed as day surgery. A soft bandage is usually applied around the head immediately after the procedure. Some swelling and bruising can be expected and often improve over 1–2 weeks, although this varies between individuals.

After about a week, the initial bandage is removed and a supportive headband may be recommended during the day for a period of time. At night, a looser headband is sometimes worn for several weeks to help protect the ears during sleep.

Pain relief is planned before discharge and may be adjusted if needed during recovery.

Scars from otoplasty are usually positioned in the natural fold behind the ear. Their appearance varies between people and depends on factors such as skin type, healing response, and genetics.

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

The post-operative bandage should remain dry while it is in place. After the first post-operative check, if the wound is healing as expected and the bandage is removed, gentle showering and hair washing are usually permitted.

Activities such as swimming may place additional pressure on the healing ears and are generally avoided for about six weeks. When resuming swimming, some people find that an adjustable neoprene (wet-suit material) headband can provide gentle support and help reduce pressure on the ears.

As with all surgical procedures, there is a possibility that revision surgery may be required. This may be undertaken to address minor differences, changes over time, or recurrence of the initial concern. In some individuals, scar tissue can form in the shape of a keloid, which is a type of raised scar. Keloids can occur after otoplasty or even after something as simple as an ear piercing, and they may not become apparent for several months. If a keloid develops, further treatment may be discussed.

Otoplasty may be considered in children once the ears have reached near full growth, which usually occurs around the age of 5–6 years. At this age, the ear cartilage is softer and may be easier to reshape. Otoplasty can also be performed in teenagers and adults, although the cartilage is firmer and techniques may vary. The timing of surgery depends on individual anatomy, growth, and personal circumstances, and is best discussed during consultation.

All surgery that involves an incision will result in a scar. In otoplasty, the incisions are most often placed behind the ear, which can make them less visible. As with any scar, the final appearance will vary between individuals depending on factors such as skin type, healing response, and genetics. It is also important to note that the ear is a site where keloid scars may occur in some people.

Some discomfort, such as aching or throbbing in the ears, can be expected in the first few days after otoplasty. Pain management is planned individually, and a tailored program will be provided to help manage any discomfort during recovery.

In children, otoplasty may be eligible for a Medicare item number when it is performed to correct prominent ears that are considered developmentally different. If a Medicare item number applies, private health insurance may provide some cover depending on the level of insurance policy held. If the surgery is considered cosmetic in nature, without a related item number, it will not be covered by Medicare or private health insurance.