Faqs

What age can otoplasty be carried out?

Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Increasingly more adults who have been thinking about surgery for many years are now going ahead with otoplasty.

What are the commonest problems with otoplasty?

The main problem with otoplasty is the inability to completely correct the asymmetry between the two ears. Once the ears are pinned back this is not usually a problem because the ears are less visible, which is the goal of the procedure. This asymmetry occurs because of the underlying asymmetry of the cartilage of the ears, the skin and the attachment to the skull.

When can I return to work?

Most patients can return to work at 1-2 weeks fairly comfortably. We generally recommend children to stay 2 weeks off school because of the risk of having the ears knocked or pulled during that time.