What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery, is a procedure by which the size, shape or position of an ear, or ears, is changed. Patients might choose to have otoplasty if they are bothered by how far their ears stick out, or if they have misshapen ears due to injury or birth defects.
How Does an Otoplasty Surgery Work?
An otoplasty procedure for an adult or older child can generally be performed under local anesthetic. In most cases, the surgery involves making a small incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage. A small piece of cartilage is removed if necessary and the ear is then scored and stitched to produce the desired shape and position.
In some cases, scoring of the cartilage can be done through the ear skin using a needle.
The Ideal Candidate
During your initial consultation, the surgeon will assess whether or not you are an ideal candidate for an otoplasty procedure. The ideal candidate must possess certain qualities, these include:
- Earlobes that are wide and oddly shaped
- Ears that protrude
- Ears that are uneven
- Ears that are oddly shaped due to injury or birth defects.
How Much Does a Otoplasty Surgery Cost?
Before any surgery can be scheduled a consultation must take place, here the surgeon will assess the patients needs and suggest the best procedure to achieve the required results.
Consultation Fee: R1000
(Estimated Price: email us)
This number includes anesthesia and operating room fees. However, the total cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals. A number of factors will influence the final total of your procedure.
Otoplasty Surgery Before & After
Otoplasty Recovery
The recovery time after an otoplasty is generally very quick depending on the procedure chosen and the size of the incision made.
Complications | Risks | Side Effects | Scars
If carried out by a medical professional, the side effects from a otoplasty should be minimal and patients are likely to see results immediately.
Temporary Side Effects
It is common to experience side effects after an otoplasty, these include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Scarring
Other Possible Side Effects
In some cases, the side effects are more severe. These include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stiff ear
- Excessive bleeding
These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.
