Otoplasty Sydney

The otoplasty procedure

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 Dr Norris works closely with, who will give you a general anaesthetic. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure can take up to two hours.

Your procedure will typically involve altering the cartilage framework to address aspects such as the position, size, or shape of the ears, including symmetry.

So that you can know what to expect, Dr Norris can explain what will happen on the day of your procedure, and how your procedure will be performed.

Costs of an otoplasty procedure

Ear surgery needs to be performed with a personalised surgery plan, so that each unique patient can achieve effective results.

Since each procedure is tailored to each patient’s needs, costs will need to be calculated after discussing the details of your surgery plan during a consultation.

For an accurate quote, you’ll need to consult with Dr Norris in Sydney or Bella Vista to discuss the details of your procedure plan.

Otoplasty Medicare options

Medicare may cover ear surgery if it’s medically necessary. The procedure must meet specific criteria outlined by Medicare, such as the requirement for a documented clinical need. Purely aesthetic procedures are typically not covered.

If patients are eligible for partial Medicare cover, they may also be able to claim some of the procedure’s costs with private health insurance, but we recommend checking with your provider before proceeding with the procedure.

Recovery and aftercare

Otoplasty typically takes between one-to-two hours to complete. After the surgery, you can expect to spend around four hours in the hospital. Due to the effects of the anaesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself home, so you’ll need to arrange for a friend or a responsible adult to pick you up from the hospital.

Once you are discharged, you will need to wear surgical bandages for one week, followed by a sports sweatband or beanie for four weeks to support your recovery. Before leaving the hospital, you will receive written post-operative instructions and a prescription for pain relief to help manage any discomfort.

In the days following the surgery, you may take short daily showers, but it is important to keep water away from your ears and wounds. Instead, you should clean your face using a face washer until Dr Norris advises that you can rinse with water.

During the first two days after the procedure, discomfort is likely to peak – however, this can typically be effectively managed with the prescribed pain medication. You may experience bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity. The swelling usually subsides within three weeks, although this can vary from patient to patient.

Light exercise, such as walking, is recommended after two weeks. Dr Ben Norris will guide you on when to resume your normal exercise routine, typically around six weeks. Most patients can return to work after three days.

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for you on the third and seventh days after your otoplasty to check your wounds and change the dressing, ensuring your recovery is progressing as expected.

Possible complications and side effects

All surgeries carry some level of risk, but these can be reduced by thoroughly evaluating whether otoplasty is right for you and closely following aftercare instructions. Dr Norris will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and provide you with recovery instructions that can help prevent complications.

One of the more common risks is infection, which could lead to symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, and discomfort around the area. If an infection does occur, it will require treatment with antibiotics.

Another issue that can arise is haematoma, which is a pocket of blood that collects under the skin near the surgical area. This might result in swelling, pain, and bruising, and the area could feel warm or itchy. In some cases, the body will reabsorb the blood on its own, but occasionally, a minor procedure might be needed to drain it.

There’s also a chance of developing a seroma, which is a buildup of fluid at the surgery site. This fluid can cause discomfort and swelling, and in some situations, it might need to be drained with a syringe to prevent complications.

Scarring is always a possibility with any surgery. While efforts are made to keep scars minimal, they can still form, especially in patients who tend to develop thicker or more noticeable scars.

Nerve damage is another risk. It can cause numbness or a change in sensation around the ears, which could be temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.

Lastly, there’s the general risk associated with anaesthesia, which Dr Norris will discuss with you in more detail during your consultation.