Otoplasty Perth
Otoplasty (ear surgery): what you need to know
Dr Jeremy Rawlins
Located at Murdoch Square
Treatment by a qualified specialist surgeon
Short waiting list
What is otoplasty or ear surgery?
Are you considering surgery for ear shape or position?
Do you have a protruding ear or do both of your ears stick out? Are your ears too large in proportion to your head? Do you feel they are misshapen due to an injury or because of a birth defect? In all these cases, you may consider an otoplasty procedure. The large majority of ear surgeries are done in children, but it can also be done in both teens and adults.
A child’s ear cartilage is still soft and easy to mould. Typically after the age of five is a good time, as by then the ears have grown to full size. This is why it is often recommended to have otoplasty surgery at a younger age (between the ages of five and ten).
When considering otoplasty it is important that the child is involved in the discussion and understands the nature of the procedure. Otoplasty does not address social challenges directly; however, it may be considered in some cases where ear shape contributes to a child’s self-awareness or discomfort.
Why have otoplasty surgery?
When your ears appear prominent and you’re considering a change for personal or functional reasons
When your ears stick out or protrude
When your ears are misshapen or asymmetric
"About five per cent of the population has protruding ears. It is very common to seek surgical treatment before the age of 18. As long as the ears have reached their full size, it can be done. During your consultation, we will discuss the best treatment options for you or your child."
Types of otoplasties
Corrective otoplasty (ear pinning): Ear pinning involves making a small cut behind the ear to expose the cartilage. We then soften the cartilages by making small incisions and put stitches at the back of the ear to reshape or position the ear closer to the head. This type of surgery can be done under local or general anaesthetic.
Reduction otoplasty for too large ears: Macrotia is a congenital ear deformity and can be simply defined as an ear that is excessively large in size. Ear reduction otoplasty involves removing excess skin and cartilage.
Augmentation otoplasty (ear enlargement): If your ears are small (microtia) or hidden (anotia), it is often caused by underdeveloped cartilage. Ear augmentation surgery involves reshaping the cartilage by repositioning or pulling them and placing splints as support. We might also perform cartilage grafting to provide volume.
"So the incisions associated with otoplasty surgery are well hidden behind the ears. In most cases, when the healing has gone well, the scars are not noticeable even with a short haircut or when your hair is tied up. Otoplasty typically takes about one to two hours."
After your surgery
Otoplasty is a day procedure. This means you can go home after you have fully recovered from the anaesthetic, provided you have made arrangements, so a friend or family member can drive you home.
After your surgery, I would recommend that you sleep with at least two pillows to keep the head elevated. You will have a bandage around the head and over the ears that should be kept clean and dry. After a week your bandage will be removed however your ears might be swollen and red. So we recommend wearing a loose headband to cover them at night.
"Otoplasty is a procedure offered to children, teens and adults when the shape or position of the ears is a concern. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether ear surgery is a suitable option for your needs and what to expect during recovery."
Why Dr Jeremy Rawlins as your preferred Perth otoplasty surgeon?
"In children, I believe the decision for surgery should come from the child once they are old enough to understand the procedure. During the consultation, we’ll talk through the options and help you decide whether ear surgery is suitable for your child’s situation and needs."
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Locations
Murdoch Square
Suite 104, Level 1, Tower C
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch, WA 6150
Phone number
08 9425 5260Office hours
Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm
Closed for public holidays