Otoplasty Perth WA
Also known as ear surgery, ear pinning and prominent ear surgery, Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that targets ear concerns. We perform this procedure on adults and children who are insecure with the size, shape and positioning of their ears.
Here at Rodin Clinic in Perth we understand patients can find their ears as an emotional burden. Therefore, we offer otoplasty to correct their ears and restore their confidence. With this procedure, Perth Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Cooper can reshape the ears to be more symmetrical and create a flatter appearance. Otoplasty can correct asymmetry, protruding and misshapen ears, large or long earlobes, torn earlobes and underdeveloped ears. This procedure does not affect a patient’s hearing.
Otoplasty is the medical term for correcting the ears. The ear cartilage is pinned back and reshaped. Ear problems often arise in early childhood when a child is teased at school. This is a major reason parents organise an otoplasty for their child. However, many patients do not present problems until their teen or adult years. By then they have often hid their ears with a hairstyle.
What age should an Otoplasty be performed?
Otoplasty is best performed when the child is old enough to understand the procedure and why it’s being done. This is often not until 7 or 8 years. Otoplasty surgery does not interfere with the growth of the ear. Adult patients have less pliable cartilage than children, but they can still have excellent results. Dr Cooper performs the procedure as a day case with the patient under general anaesthetic for the duration of the operation. When a patient is older the procedure can be done under local anaesthetic.
Cosmetic ear surgery procedure
Before the procedure, Dr Cooper will determine if you are suitable for an Otoplasty. He will evaluate your surgical and medical history including your history of ear infections and ear troubles. Our team will perform a physical exam as a means for guiding the surgery. You should discuss your concerns and questions about the surgery in the consultation. This will ensure you feel comfortable with the procedure. You should not take aspirin 10 days prior to and after the treatment. Patients should avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding in surgery.
We usually operate on both ears to create even results even if only one ear protrudes. The surgery begins with Dr Cooper making a cut in the crease behind the ear. This process creates a natural looking fold. The surgeon will fold the cartilage into the ideal position before fixing it in place with internal stitches. The procedure usually takes around one hour to complete.
After the surgery, patients will have a head dressing applied. They must wear this for the week after their otoplasty. Prior to their surgery, patients must organise for someone to drive them home. They should arrange for someone to look after them for the 24 hours after the surgery as you will feel drowsy.
Otoplasty cost at Rodin Clinic Perth
Dr Cooper and our Rodin Clinic team will provide you with a quote for the cost of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr Cooper will discuss what the treatment entails. He will also determine your desired results to form the cost of your procedure. Dr Cooper will provide you with a quote for your procedure. An otoplasty is customised and therefore the cost must reflect a patient’s individual procedure.
For certain cases of Otoplasty, a Medicare rebate is available. Medicare item number 45659 focuses on correcting ear deformities. To be eligible, patients must be under 18 years of age
Recovery and Aftercare
Nausea and discomfort can occur initially. We apply a head bandage to protect the ear during the recovery stage. After one week the surgeon will remove the original bandages. He will replace them with a soft headband which the patient must wear until the swelling goes down. After the procedure, keep your head elevated. Use a pillow to lift your head especially at night time.
The ears will still be swollen and discoloured at the first dressing change. It will be at least two to three weeks before they completely settle. After a week, patients can return to work or school. They may gently use shampoo and run their hair under hot water in the second week of recovery. Patients must be careful to still keep the area dry after washing their hair. During the procedure Dr Cooper will either use dissolvable sutures.
Patients must avoid physical activity for two weeks. Avoid anything that may cause the ears to be bumped or bruised during the recovery process. Three months after an otoplasty, swelling of the surgical site will have settled and the final results will be visible. For more information regarding otoplasty in Perth, feel free to contact us at any time.
Risks and Complications
Bleeding and bruising can be a problem in the early recovery period. An unsatisfactory correction is uncommon and may need repeat surgery. A specific risk of the procedure is that the deformity may relapse.
How to choose the best Otoplasty clinic in Perth
There are several factors that patients must weigh up to determine which is the right otoplasty clinic for them. Firstly, patients should enquire about the surgeon’s training and experience with this procedure. Your surgeon should have ample experience and training performing an otoplasty. Patients should query what treatment plan the surgeon has available for their procedure. Compare before and after treatment photos to see the results your procedure may receive with each clinic.
When deciding which Perth clinic is best for your otoplasty procedure, patients should research each clinic. Compare their rate of success and how many treatments they have performed. Patients should look for an updated website. A clinic that cares about updating their practices will have a current website. When you go to your appointment, trust your first impressions of the clinic as you want to feel comfortable with your choice. Most importantly, patients should book multiple appointments so you can get a variety of opinions. To book a consultation with Dr Cooper, contact our team today and learn more about what we can do for you!
Otoplasty FAQs
Can I recover away from home?
It is best to recover at home where things are familiar and you can access help. Some people go away for their recovery. This is fine as long as you have access to wound care and help with daily chores.
Do I need to take pain relief after my surgery?
Dr Cooper will prescribe you them for your surgery. Should you have concerns about your pain relief then you need to address these with your doctor.
What is the difference between a Plastic and a Cosmetic Surgeon?
Plastic surgeons undergo training which involves at least seven years post graduate study. As part of that program they learn about cosmetic surgery. Under current legislation anyone can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon if they are a doctor. Plastic Surgeons have a degree in plastic surgery. Dr Cooper is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who performs cosmetic surgery.
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