Ear surgery (otoplasty) is performed to correct prominent or ‘bat’ ears or to reduce the size of large ears. Otoplasty is possible at any age, but it is often recommended for children aged five or six. Correcting the ears before the child enters school can help eliminate potential teasing and psychological trauma. Ear surgery can improve the position of your ears and overall appearance, as well as confidence and self-esteem.

The Procedure

The ears are positioned closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage. The cartilage is reshaped through incisions placed behind the ears or within ear creases so that any resulting scars are concealed. Most ear surgery is performed as day surgery under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes one to two hours. Any stitches are usually dissolvable.

Recovery from Ear Surgery

You should be up and about on the day of ear surgery but plan on taking it easy for the first week. You should be able to return to work or school five to six days after surgery. Any pain can be easily controlled by medication. A full head dressing covering both ears is usually left intact for five days after surgery. After it is removed, you may have a lukewarm shower and wash your hair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an ideal age for cheek implant surgery?

Otoplasty is possible at any age and is often performed in adults. For children ear surgery is often recommended between the ages of five or six. Correcting the ears before the child enters school can help eliminate potential teasing and psychological trauma.

Where is the surgery performed and do I need to stay in hospital?

Ear surgery is performed in a private, accredited hospital under general anaesthetic with a qualified anaesthetist and usually take approximately 1.5 hours. You can go home the same day but will require someone to pick you up to care for you at least overnight and take you to Silkwood for your post-op appointments.

Where will the scars be?

The scars from an otoplasty are difficult to detect as they are typically placed behind the ear or in ear creases for concealment.

How much does it cost?

Dr Nettle’s surgical fee is approximately $6,000. This does not include the assistant fee, anaesthetist fee or hospital fee.

Are there any Medicare rebates?

This procedure may attract an item number from Medicare which allows you to claim a rebate. If you have the appropriate level of health insurance cover, they may pay for your theatre and accomodation fees. The Medicare item number is 45659.

Are large or poorly shaped ears inherited?

Children can be teased by their classmates for having ears that stick out from the head too much. It is true that this can be an inherited feature from parents or grandparents but it is often an individual characteristic. It occurs in both males and females, but it is more obvious for boys as they generally have shorter hair and cannot hide their ears so easily.

Can babies ears be taped to prevent the need for surgery?

It is possible to tape the ears of babies back to the head soon after they are born with sticking plaster to encourage the ears to develop a curve that places them closer to the head so they won’t protrude so much. This is commonly performed in some countries and these children, at a later age, have less need for corrective ear surgery than occurs in Australia.