Prominent ear correction (otoplasty)
Prominent ear correction, also called otoplasty, is a cosmetic operation to correct ears that stick out.
When you would have prominent ear correction
Prominent ear correction can help if you:
- are self-conscious about the shape or size of your ears
- have ears of different shapes
- have been teased about your ears.
This surgery can help you feel more comfortable with how your ears look.
Having prominent ear correction
Prominent ear correction is done by a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). For adults, this is usually through a private healthcare provider.
The surgery involves cutting the back of the ear, which exposes the cartilage under the skin. The cartilage can then be reshaped using cuts and stitches to hold the ear in the desired shape. The surgeon then closes the cut with stitches and covers the ears and scalp with a bandage.
Most adults have a local anaesthetic, which numbs the area being operated on. This means you are awake during the surgery. If you prefer, you can ask for a general anaesthetic (be asleep).
You can usually go home on the day of the surgery.
After prominent ear correction
It is normal to feel a bit uncomfortable after surgery, but pain relief medicines can control this. The bandage will be taken off at the first follow-up appointment, usually about a week after surgery. Until then, you need to avoid doing anything that takes a lot of physical effort.
When the bandage comes off, the ears will still be bruised, swollen and tender. It is best to avoid contact sports for the first month after surgery. There will always be scars on the back of the ear, but they usually heal well and are hidden from view.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if in the week after surgery:
- pain that is getting worse
- fever with a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius develops
- chills develop
- there is bleeding through the bandage
- the bandage falls off.
Risks of prominent ear correction
Occasionally, problems develop after the surgery. These can include:
- bleeding
- wound infection
- poor scarring
- an ear shape that is not any better or that gets worse.
More surgery may be the only way to fix these problems. But problems are rare, and most operations work.
Healthcare services may be provided to you only if you make an informed choice and give informed consent to it. This forms part of your rights (Rights 5, 6 and 7) under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights (the Code).
The Code and Your Rights/Ōu Mōtika — Health & Disability Commissioner
The 3 rights that together allow for informed consent are:
- Right 5 — the right to effective communication
- Right 6 — the right to be informed
- Right 7 — the right to choice and consent.
This means you must be told about the service being suggested, including any risks or possible complications. You must have the chance to ask as many questions as you need to understand the information you are given.
You also have the right to have someone with you to help you. But the decision to say 'yes' or 'no' must be yours (unless you are unable to make that decision due to illness or other impairment, or sometimes in an emergency).
You also have the right to be given the information in a language you fully understand. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Referral information
You will need to be referred to a specialist doctor by your healthcare provider.
If you are having prominent ear correction for cosmetic (looks) reasons, you will need to go through a private specialist.