Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for this type of surgery?
If you are uncomfortable with the prominence of your ears, you are most likely a good candidate for this operation.
If certain chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity or respiratory illnesses are poorly controlled, or you are immunocompromised, require anti-coagulants (blood thinners), or you are an active smoker, you may not be a safe candidate for this procedure. See also: Smoking and BMI.
What is the ideal age to have otoplasty performed?
For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and fourteen. Ears are almost fully grown by age four and the earlier the surgery, the easier it may be to reshape the cartilage.
Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
It should be noted that Otoplasty is currently covered by OHIP, for children up to the age of 18.
What kind of scars will I have and where will they be located?
Otoplasty leaves a scar on the back of the ear. It will fade with time.
How long is the operation?
Otoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthesia as an outpatient and takes about two hours.
How long is the hospital stay?
Otoplasty surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anaesthetic.
How much pain should I expect?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Every patient has a different pain tolerance. However, we will prescribe sufficient pain medication throughout your recovery period to ensure the discomfort you feel is manageable.
Most people feel tender and bruised after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain.
What happens after the surgery?
Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. Your ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.
Within a week, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a headband. Stitches dissolve after several weeks.
You will be able to shower after the bandages are removed.
When can I go in the sun?
You should avoid exposing your new scars to the sun for at least six months or until they have matured well. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing your scars to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.
When will I be able to go back to work and resume my normal activities?
Any activity in which the ear might be bent forward or struck should be avoided for approximately four weeks. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery.
We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
Strenuous aerobic activity can be resumed at approximately four weeks post operatively. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
How long will the results last?
It is unusual to require a second otoplasty in one’s lifetime.
