What happens at the first consultation?

Cosmetic surgery is a personal choice and one every man and woman has their own reasons for making. In your first otoplasty consultation, Dr Norris will focus on your goals, desires and what you hope to achieve from the procedure. He will also ask you what concerns you about the appearance of your ears and how you would like your ears to look after the surgery. Dr Norris will evaluate your ears by assessing your skin tone, and cartilage. He will photograph you for your medical records. Dr Norris will discuss how the operation is performed, and where the scar will be placed. You will then be given a detailed quotation which outlines your options for surgery. If you decide to proceed with surgery, Dr Norris will see you again at a second consultation.

Dr Norris insists that all patients must stop smoking 2 months before embarking on any type of cosmetic surgery.

How is otoplasty surgery done?

Dr Norris performs otoplasty in fully accredited medical facilities. You can also have this procedure under local anaesthetic if you prefer not to have general sedation. You will be introduced to the anaesthetist that Dr Norris works closely with, who will give you a general anaesthetic. The procedure can take up to 2hrs depending on the exact procedure.

What happens after cosmetic ear surgery?

• Otoplasty takes approx. 1-2hrs to perform
• You will be in hospital for approx. 4hrs
• You will remain in surgical bandages for 1 week and a sports sweatband or beanie for 4 weeks.
• A friend, or responsible adult must collect you from the hospital as you may not drive home.
• You will leave with written post-operative instructions and a prescription for pain-relief.
• Daily short showers are permitted, ensuring your keep the water off your ears and wounds. Clean your face with a face washer until Dr Norris instructs you to rinse over with water.
• Within the first 2 days after surgery you will experience the worst of the discomfort, managed by your prescribed pain medication.
• You might have bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity. Swelling may vary from patient to patient and should resolve by 3 weeks.
• Light exercise is permitted after 2 weeks, such as walking. Resuming normal daily exercise at 6 weeks as instructed by your Doctor.
• You can return to work after 3 days.
• A follow-up appointment will be booked for you on day 3 and 7 after the operation. This is to check your wounds and change the dressing.

Possible complications

• Haematoma A collection of blood in the wound area, which is either naturally absorbed into the body or sometimes requires further surgical drainage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, hot to touch, or itchy breast.
• Infection Infections are unpredictable and normally occur in the first 3 weeks after surgery and treated immediately with antibiotics.
• Seroma Is a build up of fluid after your surgery that can sometimes require removal via a syringe in the clinic.