Back Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that sets back prominent ears closer to the head. For many people, having prominent ears may be the cause of some humiliation. Otoplasty can help enhance the way they look and boost their confidence levels. Otoplasty is an operation that can be performed from four years old, as ears are fully formed at this age. The surgery can also be performed on adults with no additional risk involved.

The Surgery

The surgery should only last two to three hours. More complicated procedures may take longer. There are different surgical techniques used depending on the ear problem itself.

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed in a surgical facility or hospital. In some cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient stay overnight in the hospital as in inpatient. General anaesthesia will be used if the child is very young, enabling them to sleep during the operation. Older children and adults will be given local anaesthesia and sedatives. This will leave them awake but very drowsy throughout the surgery.

The most common otoplasty surgery involves a small incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is sculpted and bent back towards the head, and if necessary, cartilage is removed to give a more natural fold to the ear. Non-removable stitches are then used to maintain the new shape.

Another otoplasty technique is to remove skin around the ear and use stitches to bend the cartilage back on itself, reshaping the ear. No cartilage is removed in this operation. After the operation, the patient’s head is wrapped in a bandage to keep the ears safely in place and aid healing.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

After Surgery

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anaesthesia wear off. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best moulding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery.

Patients can usually leave the hospital a few hours after surgery. Throbbing or earache is not uncommon and should disappear within a few days. If it does not, medication can be given to relieve the pain.

Other Ear conditions

Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim and the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury. Sometimes, however, the correction can leave a scar that's worse than the original problem. Ask your surgeon about the effectiveness of surgery for your specific case.

The Natural Look

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly - perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation you will be pleased with the result.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During the initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes you want to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anaesthesia required, the surgical facility, and costs.

Your surgeon will begin with a complete medical history. He/she may also give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications. Routine laboratory tests may be required before surgery.

The Cost

Otoplasty (Back Ear surgery) 50,000 Baht/ 1,600US$/*

*Price based on the Thai Baht currency. Click the following link to see the latest exchange rate for other currencies. Please note price may vary after your photographs have been assessed also the surgeon, clinic, hospital or area/ country that you choose.

The Package Includes

• Accommodation for 1 nights in the surgical floor including : Room, Nursing Service Charges, Service Charges, Regular menu food charges

• Operating Room Charges ; OR Room Use, Recovery Room, Scrub & Circulate Nurse

• Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies necessary for the procedure

• Medications : Routine medication used

• Anaesthesia : Pre-Aesthetic Drugs, Anaesthesia, Medical Gas (Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide)

• Doctor Fees : Surgeon, Anaesthesiologist

The Package Excludes

• Take home medications and supplies

• Laboratory Testing necessary for the procedure if required by surgeon as CBC, PT & PTT, Urianalysis, Anti HIV

• Radiology Studies : Chest X-ray, if required

• Other charges not related to the procedures

• Charges for other procedure or other plastic surgery

• Charges for OPD incurred prior to the surgery

• Charges for inpatient stays in excess of 1 nights. Additional charges for these days including room and other charges will be added to the package price at a normal hospital rates

• Charges for intensive care, if necessary

• Items of a personal nature such as in-room drinks, telephone charges and guest meals will be charged at the normal rates in effect

Duration

Operation will take around one-two hours.

Hospital stay

None-Out-patients clinic

Notice

The package is applicable for elective, uncomplicated patients. Patients with the following conditions are considered to be complex or high risk cases and will not qualify for the package: Bleeding Disorders Patients with underlying severe medical problems such as HIV and uncontrolled diabetes. If you have any of these or other conditions Health Vision Asia may be able to find a surgeon or clinic which may treat you. Send all relevant details in your email to us.

Effective date March 26, 2007 - December 31, 2008

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