The operation takes under two hours to complete.

Otoplasty can be performed using either a general anaesthetic (always used for small children) or a local anaesthetic.  The type of anaesthesia depends upon age, level of correction needed and personal preference.

Providing all is well, you can expect to go home the same day.

No surgery is without risk, but in general, no major complications are expected with this procedure.

Blood can collect beneath the skin of the ear, which may need to be drained.  Infection, a risk after any operation, may also occur, although this too is rare. Scars usually fade until they are barely noticeable but in about two out of every hundred people, they can become thick and red. Rarely, a keloid scar may form and further treatment may be required. The operation may occasionally fail, in that the set back ear may protrude again necessitating a further operation.

The ears will be very sensitive to minor trauma or contact in the first six to eight weeks. Any knocks to the ears from playing contact sports, or playful blows from brothers or sisters, can cause discomfort out of all proportion to the strength of the blow. Care needs to be taken during this time.

Reduced sensitivity and numbness can occur in the ears. This may last as long as twelve months following surgery and on occasion may be permanent. Your ears may also turn deep red or purple when you go out in cold weather during the first few months.

The physical results from corrective ear surgery are immediate and should provide life long correction.  For some adults, however, the psychological trauma of being constantly teased or bullied over the years can take its toll. 

No surgery is without risk, but in general, no major complications are expected with this procedure

Blood can collect beneath the skin of the ear, which may need to be drained.  Infection, a risk after any operation, may also occur, although this too is rare. Scars usually fade until they are barely noticeable but in about two out of every hundred people, they can become thick and red. Rarely, a keloid scar may form and further treatment may be required. The operation may occasionally fail, in that the set back ear may protrude again necessitating a further operation.

The ears will be very sensitive to minor trauma or contact in the first six to eight weeks. Any knocks to the ears from playing contact sports, or playful blows from brothers or sisters, can cause discomfort out of all proportion to the strength of the blow. Care needs to be taken during this time.

Reduced sensitivity and numbness can occur in the ears. This may last as long as twelve months following surgery and on occasion may be permanent. Your ears may also turn deep red or purple when you go out in cold weather during the first few months.

Any incisions are placed behind the ear.  In most cases, there will be no visible scaring.

After the operation, some swelling and bruising can be expected, but this usually settles down in the first few days. Your ears may also feel sore and uncomfortable, although significant pain is very rare.

At the end of the operation, an elasticated head dressing is applied. It is there to protect the ears and helps to maintain their new shape. This is removed about seven days after surgery when all stitches are removed. A ski type headband or sweat band is then worn at night for a further six weeks to help protect the new position of ears when sleeping.

You should be ready to return to work or school about one week following surgery and after six weeks, return to any contact sports and /or swimming.