Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
About Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
- An otoplasty, otherwise known as ear pinning, is designed to restructure the angle and shape of protruding or uneven ears.
- Ear surgery aims to reshape part of the cartilage in the ears so that they lie closer to the side of the head, or address congenital irregularities or post-injury deformity.
- This procedure is performed in an accredited hospital facility.
General Procedure
Ear surgery is commonly performed under general anaesthesia for children and local anaesthesia for adults. The standard otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head. Otoplasty begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. This incision allows the cartilage located behind the ears to be reshaped in order to position them closer to the head. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.
There are various surgical techniques involved in addressing other concerns. Dr Goh will discuss the most suitable technique for your desired outcome in your consultation.
Recovery Process
After the surgery is completed, large bandages will be wrapped around the head. This method secures the ear in place and assists with the healing process. The bandages are usually removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Patients sometimes report pain associated with surgery. This pain can usually be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following post-operative instructions.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
