Ear Correction Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear correction surgery, or otoplasty, may help those who feel self-conscious and experience low self-esteem due to their aesthetically displeasing ears. Usually, the condition is protruding ears, causing daily psychological distress for children and adults alike. Ear correction surgery does not affect your hearing in any way.

Ear correction surgery is the right procedure for you if your ears are:

Protruding;
Physically too large;
Misshapen;
Asymmetrical due to a birth defect or injury.

What you should know:

Ears will be swollen and feel a little numb for 2 to 3 days after the surgery and there may be some bruising;
Some tiny scars are visible after the surgery, but they will fade completely with time;
The final result is seen after at least 6 weeks;
It is recommended to return to work in 7 to 10 days after the surgery;
Exercise can be resumed in 10 days;
It is recommended that children return to their usual daily activities in around 7 days and adults in around 3 days.

PROCEDURE STEPS

1. Consultation with plastic surgeon

During your consultation with a plastic surgeon, they will inspect and measure your ears, address all questions you might have and discuss with you the optimal type of procedure for you.

2. Preparing for surgery

For a successful surgery and best outcomes, it is important that you also take steps to prepare for the surgical procedure. You should quit smoking (as it impairs the healing process) and temporarily stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain other kinds of medication so as to reduce the risk of bleeding.

3. Surgical procedure

The surgery takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Ear correction surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, but general anaesthesia is also possible.

4. Outcome and recovery

The amount of time it takes for recovery varies from one patient to another and depends on the patient’s physical health and their body’s response to the surgery. Smoking may extend the recovery time. You might need painkillers once the anaesthesia wears off.

Healing process:

After the surgery, you will be able to return home the same day;
You will need to avoid bending ears for at least a month;
For several days after the procedure, you should be lying down with your head raised as much as possible so as to avoid increased swelling of the ears;
Bruising fades within 7 to 10 days.