Otoplasty Surgery (Ear Reshaping)

At Berkeley Square Medical, we strive to make your otoplasty consultation a thorough and personalised experience. Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:

Initial Discussion

Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your concerns and what you hope to achieve with otoplasty Our Consultant Otoplasty Surgeon, Mr. Taimur Shoaib, will take the time to listen to your expectations and provide an honest, realistic overview of what the surgery can accomplish. This initial conversation is crucial for understanding your goals and ensuring they align with what can be achieved surgically.

Medical History and Examination

Mr. Shoaib will review your medical history to identify any factors that might influence the surgery or recovery process. This includes discussing any previous surgeries, medical conditions, and current medications. Following this, he will conduct a physical examination of your ears to assess their shape, size, and position. This examination helps in formulating a surgical treatment tailored specifically to your anatomy and desired outcomes.

Customised Surgical Plan

Based on the initial discussion and physical examination, Mr. Shoaib will outline a customized surgical plan for you. He will explain the specific techniques he will use during the procedure, such as reshaping the cartilage or repositioning the ears closer to the head. You will be informed about the expected results, potential risks, and the recovery process. This detailed explanation ensures that you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what it entails.

Visual Aids and Examples

To help you visualize the potential outcomes, Mr. Shoaib may use visual aids, including before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone otoplasty. This can give you a realistic idea of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.

Questions and Concerns

We encourage you to ask any questions you might have during the consultation. Mr. Shoaib is committed to providing clear and comprehensive answers to ensure you feel confident and well-informed about your decision. Whether it’s about the surgical process, anaesthesia, recovery, or any other concerns, your peace of mind is our priority.

Next Steps

If you decide to proceed with the surgery, the next steps will involve scheduling the procedure and arranging for any necessary pre-operative tests. You will also receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative care instructions to help you prepare for the surgery and recovery.

At Berkeley Square Medical, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and informative consultation process, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to undergo otoplasty with us.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how we perform an Otoplasty surgery at Berkeley Square Medical:

1. Consultation and Pre-Operative Preparation

Before surgery, a thorough second consultation with both Mr Shoaib and Anaesthetist are completed . This involves discussing your medical history, goals, and expectations and outline all the aims discussed at your first consultation. 

2. Anaesthesia

Otoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s age, health, and preference. Local anaesthesia is typically sufficient for adults, while general anaesthesia is often recommended for children to ensure they remain still and comfortable during the procedure​

3. Incision Placement

The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision. The location of the incision depends on the specific technique being used, but it is commonly made behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. This placement helps to conceal any post-operative scarring.

4. Cartilage Reshaping

Once the incision is made, the surgeon accesses the ear cartilage. The cartilage is reshaped or repositioned to create the desired contour. Techniques vary, but common methods include:

• Scoring the Cartilage: Making incisions in the cartilage to allow it to bend and be repositioned.
• Suturing: Using permanent sutures to hold the cartilage in the new shape.
• Cartilage Removal: In some cases, a small amount of cartilage is removed to achieve the desired shape.

5. Ear Repositioning

If the ears protrude significantly, the surgeon may fold the cartilage back towards the head and use sutures to secure it in a less prominent position. This step is critical for achieving symmetry and a natural appearance.

6. Closing the Incisions

After reshaping the cartilage and achieving the desired look, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures. These sutures are typically dissolvable, although in some cases, non-dissolvable sutures may be used and will need to be removed later.

7. Applying Dressings

To protect the surgical site and support the new shape of the ears, a bandage or dressing is applied around the head. This helps to keep the ears in place and minimize swelling and discomfort during the initial healing period.

1. Immediately After Surgery

• Anaesthesia Recovery: You will wake up from anaesthesia in your recovery room. Our nursing team will monitor your vital signs and manage pain or nausea.
• Bandaging: Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage to protect your ears and help them maintain their new position. This bandage also helps reduce swelling.

2. First Few Days Post-Surgery

• Rest and Care: You are advised to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling.
• Pain Management: Prescription pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers are usually recommended to manage discomfort.
• Hygiene and Care Instructions: Follow Mr Shoaib’s instructions for cleaning the surgical area. Avoid getting the bandage wet.

3. First Week Post-Surgery

• Bandage Removal: Within a few days to a week, the bulky bandage will be replaced with a lighter headband, which you must wear at all times for the first week.
• Follow-Up Visit: Mr Shoaib will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your healing progress and remove any non-dissolvable stitches.
• Activity Restrictions: Continue to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Protect your ears from any trauma or pressure.

4. Second Week Post-Surgery

• Headband Wear: You may be advised to wear the headband only at night to protect your ears while sleeping.
• Swelling and Bruising: Most swelling and bruising should begin to subside, but it can take a few weeks for it to fully resolve.
• Resuming Activities: Light activities can usually be resumed, but you should still avoid any activities that might involve contact with your ears.

5. First Month Post-Surgery

• Ongoing Healing: Your ears will continue to heal and settle into their new position. Some residual swelling and discomfort might persist but will gradually improve.
• Headband Use: Depending on Mr Shoaib’s advice, wearing the headband at night might continue for up to 4-6 weeks.
• Regular Activities: You can typically return to your regular activities, including work or school, within 1-2 weeks, but should still avoid contact sports or any activity that poses a risk to your ears.

6. Long-Term Recovery

• Final Results: It can take a few months for your ears to completely heal and for the final results to be fully visible. Any minor swelling or asymmetry usually resolves over time.
• Scarring: Scars from otoplasty are typically well-hidden behind the ear or within its natural folds. They will fade over time but may remain slightly visible.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

• Follow Mr Shoaib’s Instructions: Adhering to the post-operative care instructions provided by Mr Shoaib is crucial for optimal healing.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can support the healing process.
• Report Issues: Contact Mr Shoaib if you experience unusual symptoms such as excessive pain, infection signs (redness, warmth, discharge), or if your ears seem to be moving out of place.

By following these steps and the guidance of Mr Shoaib, you can typically expect a smooth recovery and satisfactory results from your otoplasty procedure.

Risks Associated with Otoplasty

While otoplasty is generally a safe procedure, it comes with some risks and potential complications, including:

1. Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites.
2. Bleeding: You may experience some bleeding during or after the surgery.
3. Scarring: Scars are usually hidden behind the ear, but some visible scarring is possible.
4. Asymmetry: There is a chance that your ears may not be perfectly symmetrical after surgery.
5. Changes in Skin Sensation: You might experience temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation around the ear.
6. Allergic Reactions: Rarely, you could have an allergic reaction to anaesthesia or materials used during surgery.
7. Unsatisfactory Results: There is a possibility that you may not be satisfied with the appearance of your ears after the surgery.
8. Suture Complications: Stitches used to secure the ear’s new position may cause irritation or come to the surface of the skin, requiring removal.

Minimizing Risks

To minimise these risks, here are several important steps you and your Surgeon will take:

1. Pre-Surgical Consultation: During your consultation, provide Mr Shoaib with a complete medical history, including any medications you are taking, allergies, and previous surgeries. This helps in planning a safe procedure.
2. Following Pre-Operative Instructions: Mr Shoaib will give you specific instructions to follow before surgery, such as avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding.
3. Sterile Technique: The surgery will be performed in a sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Post-Surgical Care: Follow all post-surgical care instructions provided by Mr Shoaib meticulously. This includes keeping the incision sites clean and dry and taking prescribed antibiotics if necessary.
5. Managing Incision Sites: Regularly check your incision sites for signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge) and report any concerns to Mr Shoaib immediately.
6. Avoiding Pressure on Ears: Avoid activities that could put pressure on your ears, especially during the initial healing period.
7. Attending Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits with Mr Shoaib are crucial to monitor your healing progress and address any complications early.
8. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking, as these factors can significantly affect your healing process.
9. Communicating Concerns: If you experience unusual symptoms such as excessive pain, asymmetry, or changes in skin sensation, contact Mr Shoaib promptly for advice and intervention if needed.

By taking these precautions and closely following the guidance of Mr Shoaib and our clinical team, you can help ensure a safer procedure and a smoother recovery from your otoplasty.