OTOPLASTY
Otoplasty denotes the surgical and non-surgical procedures for correcting the deformities and defects of the pinna (external ear), and for reconstructing a defective, or deformed, or absent external ear, consequent to congenital conditions (e.g. microtia, anotia, etc.) and trauma (blunt, penetrating, or blast).[1] The otoplastic surgeon corrects the defect or deformity by creating an external ear that is of natural proportions, contour, and appearance, usually achieved by the reshaping, the moving, and the augmenting of the cartilaginous support framework of the pinna.
PROCEDURE TIME & ANAESTHETIC
An incision will be made at the back of the ear, where it is connected to the head. Any excess skin or cartilage will be removed. The surgeon will shape the ear appropriately, or use permanent sutures to pin the ears back to their necessary position. Sutures may also be used to hold the ear in position just until healing is complete. Otoplasty usually requires 45 minutes to complete depending on the complexity of the surgery and is often performed as a day case, however an overnight stay may be required. Patients will be given a local anaesthetic with a mild sedative.
In some cases, patients may be given general anaesthesia to be completely unconscious during the procedure.
RECOVERY TIME & AFTER CARE
Recovery depends greatly on the extent of the procedure. Expect to feel sore and swollen for several weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some patients may experience swelling for longer.
After surgery
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so. During the recovery the nurses will measure your Blood pressure through a cuff. She will also attach a monitor to your finger to check your pulse and level of Oxygen in your blood to ensure you are fully oxygenated. Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your recovery and a follow- up appointment with your plastic surgeon. You may also receive medications or a prescription, but many plastic surgeons prescribe postoperative medications in advance. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection. We advise no showering for one week which is a very difficult task for anyone. We advise that it is ok to have regular hand showers with lukewarm water and ensuring no water is submerged onto the incisions. We will advise you of this before you leave the hospital.
7 days after surgery
You will return to the hospital for your post-operative review, in which any stitches are removed. Though the surgeon uses dissolvable stitches, we will check to make sure your incisions have healed. You will also be assessed with any leftover swelling and any advice to help improve your recovery time.
1 year after surgery
As apart of your aftercare, we advise all patients to book in once a year to see their surgeon for a brief assessment of the consistent results.
TIME OFF WORK
We recommend taking 7-14 days off of work following your face lift procedure. In this case I can supply you with a medical certificate for your employer.
POST-OP APPOINTMENTS
Post-operative follow-up is of paramount importance. Each patient undergoing any Cosmetic Surgery will be given post operative appointments for wound management and suture removal. Post-operative instructions are vital and we consider it very important that you adhere to them. Failing to follow these guidelines and attend your appointments can adversely affect the outcome of surgery and put patient safety at risk.