Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears to reduce their prominence or correct irregularities in cartilage form. For patients in Perth considering this procedure, understanding what the surgery involves, what recovery requires, and how to prepare for a consultation is a practical starting point before any clinical decisions are made.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct prominent or irregularly shaped ears. It works by reshaping the ear cartilage, repositioning the ear closer to the head, or refining the fold of the antihelix (the inner curved ridge of the ear). The procedure does not affect hearing. It is performed on both adults and children, and ears are typically considered sufficiently developed for surgery from around age five or six, when they have reached near-adult size.
Who May Be a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Candidates for otoplasty are generally patients whose ears protrude significantly from the head, or where the natural folds of the ear cartilage are underdeveloped. Adults and children aged five and older may be assessed for the procedure. In children, general anaesthesia is typically used. In adults, local anaesthesia may be appropriate depending on the patient and the extent of the surgery.
Candidacy is determined through a full clinical assessment. At the Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre, Dr Mark Hanikeri FRACS (PLAS) reviews ear anatomy, the degree of prominence, cartilage structure, and overall health before discussing whether surgery is appropriate. An initial consultation fee of $300 applies.
It is important to note that patients (or parents of younger patients) should have realistic expectations about outcomes. Otoplasty aims to improve symmetry and reduce prominence within a natural range. Perfect symmetry is not a surgical guarantee, and individual anatomy affects what is achievable.
Patients who are actively growing or who have certain health conditions affecting wound healing may not be suitable candidates. These factors are assessed thoroughly at the pre-operative consultation.
What the Surgery Involves
Otoplasty is typically performed as a day procedure. The incision is placed behind the ear, within the natural crease where the ear meets the head, to minimise visible scarring. Through this incision, the surgeon accesses the cartilage and either reshapes it, scores it to allow repositioning, or places sutures to hold the ear in its new position closer to the head.
Dr Hanikeri conducts otoplasty consultations at the Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre in Perth. The specific technique used depends on the underlying anatomy and the degree of correction required. Some patients need cartilage reshaping only. Others require work on the antihelix fold, the conchal bowl (the central cup of the ear), or both. The surgeon discusses the planned approach during the consultation, along with the range of outcomes that may be reasonably expected.
Operative time varies depending on whether one ear or both are being corrected, and the complexity of the anatomy involved.
Surgical Risks and What to Expect
As with all surgical procedures, otoplasty carries risks. These include infection, asymmetry, changes in sensation around the ear, and scarring. In some cases, there can be a partial recurrence of ear prominence over time as cartilage attempts to return to its original shape. Rare risks include skin healing complications and suture issues.
Patients considering otoplasty should discuss these risks in full at their consultation. Dr Hanikeri provides a thorough pre-operative discussion covering the realistic range of outcomes, not a single predicted result. This conversation is essential before any decision to proceed is made.
Understanding the risk profile is part of informed consent, and no patient should proceed to surgery without a clear picture of what complications are possible and how they are managed if they arise.
Recovery After Otoplasty
Recovery from otoplasty follows a predictable pattern for most patients, though individual healing rates vary. A firm bandage or head dressing is worn for approximately one to two weeks after surgery to protect the ears and help them settle in their new position. Swelling and bruising are normal in the first days and typically begin to subside within two to three weeks.
After the initial bandage period, patients are usually required to wear a soft headband at night for approximately six weeks. This helps protect the ears during sleep and reduces the risk of inadvertently folding or applying pressure to the healing cartilage.
Activity is restricted during the recovery period. Contact sports and any activity where the ears could be knocked or struck must be avoided for at least six weeks. Sleep position is also restricted to avoid placing pressure directly on the ears. Children returning to school should be supervised to avoid playground activities that carry a risk of ear trauma.
Initial swelling resolves within two to three weeks for most patients. However, ears typically continue to settle and reach their final resting position over a period of three to six months as the deeper tissue heals and any residual swelling resolves. Assessments during this period are part of the follow-up care provided.
Preparing for Your Consultation
A consultation with Dr Hanikeri at the Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre covers anatomy, degree of prominence, the surgical approach being considered, the range of outcomes that may reasonably be expected, and the full risk profile. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions in advance and to be open about their medical history, including any medications, supplements, or previous ear or head surgeries.
In the two weeks before surgery, patients are typically asked to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E, as these can increase bleeding risk. Smoking should be stopped well in advance of any elective procedure, as nicotine affects wound healing and tissue perfusion. The exact pre-operative instructions are provided by the clinic and must be followed carefully.
Arranging post-operative care is also important. Patients should ensure they have someone to drive them home after surgery (particularly if general anaesthesia is used) and that appropriate support is available during the first few days of recovery.
The pre-operative consultation is also the right time to raise any concerns about recovery, return to work or school, and realistic expectations around the healing timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before otoplasty?
In the two weeks before otoplasty, patients should stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E. Smoking should be stopped at least six weeks before surgery, as it impairs healing. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and ensure post-operative support is in place. Attending a full pre-operative consultation with Dr Hanikeri is essential so that all relevant factors, including anatomy, health history, and planned technique, are assessed before a decision is made.
How much does otoplasty cost in Perth?
Otoplasty costs in Perth vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, anaesthesia type, and hospital or facility fees. The total fee is made up of the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, and hospital charges. An indicative fee range is published on the Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre website, and all cost components are discussed in full at the consultation with Dr Hanikeri. The initial consultation fee is $300. Patients are encouraged to clarify all fees before proceeding so that the full cost picture is clear.
How long does it take for ears to settle after otoplasty?
Initial swelling after otoplasty typically resolves within two to three weeks. The ears reach their final position more gradually, usually over three to six months as healing matures and deeper tissue swelling resolves. Patients should not assess their final result until this period has passed. Follow-up appointments allow Dr Hanikeri to monitor progress and confirm that healing is proceeding as expected.
What restrictions apply after otoplasty?
A bandage or firm dressing is worn for the first one to two weeks after surgery. After that, a soft headband is worn at night for approximately six weeks to protect the ears during sleep. Contact sports and any activity that risks a blow or pressure to the ears must be avoided for at least six weeks. Sleep position is also restricted to prevent pressure on the healing cartilage. Children should avoid rough playground activities during the recovery period.
Further Reading
- Otoplasty Perth: https://markhanikeri.com/otoplasty/
| Written by Dr Mark Hanikeri – Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Perth WA. Dr Hanikeri holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has practised in Perth for over two decades. Consultations are conducted at accredited facilities in Subiaco and Murdoch. |
