Otoplasty

otoplasty

At the initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate the ears and establish what is required to produce the desired shape. There are several techniques that can be used to reshape and set back prominent ears and the most appropriate ones for the individual will be discussed.

In the United Kingdom, otoplasty is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. However, some surgeons may prefer to use local anaesthesia especially in the adult patient. Otoplasty can be carried out as a day case procedure but occasionally your doctor may recommend an overnight stay.

Otoplasty usually takes between one and two hours to perform although more complicated procedures may take longer and your surgeon will be able to discuss with you the likely length of the operation.

The various techniques for the operation will be discussed with you but often involves the removal of a small ellipse of skin from behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage and then the surgeon can reshape the ear cartilage either using stitches alone or a combination of stitches and scoring of the cartilage to create a natural looking fold to the ear and a normal position in relation to the head.