Introduction

An otoplasty is performed for having a LOP ear, otherwise known as “Bat ears”.

Procedure

An otoplasty takes approximately 2 hours. The procedure involves setting the ear back as well as recreating the fold of the ear, which may be absent in patients with a LOP ear. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.

Before the operation, Dr Robinson individually plans the operation for each patient with the understanding that no 2 patients are the same and no 2 ears are the same.

There are 3 main corrective steps that Dr Robinson uses in an otoplasty:

1. Conchal setback stitches – Otherwise known as “Furness” stitches. These sutures are used to relocate the position of the conchal bowl which is prominent in “Bat ears”. The use of these sutures is classically referred to as “Ear Pinning”.
2. Antihelical fold creation – This process involves creating the antihelical fold which is immediately in front of the rim of the ear. When this fold isn’t present at all Dr Dan Robinson performs meticulous marking pre-operatively to determine the best position for the fold. Dr Robinson then uses a variety of techniques to create the fold including “Scoring techniques” as well as suturing techniques known as “Mastarde” sutures.
3. Soft tissue – Appropriate removal / rearrangement of soft tissue is a part of an otoplasty which is often ignored but can lead to recurrence of the “LOP ear” or “Bat ear”. When Dr Robinson was performing his fellowship in facial plastics, he was taught the importance of this part of the operation – which involves recognising the best place to hide the suture line, the appropriate amount of skin to remove (if any) and how much soft tissue dissection and removal is required to achieve the desired outcome.

Once the procedure is performed a head bandage is put on which will stay in place for approximately 3-5 days.

Post-operative Instructions

Dr Robinson will send you home with some antibiotics and pain relief. Somewhere between 3 and 5 days after the procedure, Dr Robinson will remove the head bandage. Following removal of the head bandage Dr Robinson will get you to use Vaseline over the wound which is behind your ear. Depending on the degree of swelling post-operatively Dr Robinson may ask you to wear a tennis band around your ears at night.

Risks

The main risk of an otoplasty is having what is called a haematoma post-operatively. This is where there is a blood clot that forms under the skin after the otoplasty. If your pain level increases dramatically post-operatively, this is the probable cause. If you experience this, Dr Robinson would need to see you within 24 hours to arrange for treatment.

The other main risk of the operation is an infection – however, this is relatively rare due to the antibiotics which are given post-operatively.

Realistic goals of an otoplasty

The goal of an otoplasty is to have ears that are less prominent. This will usually lead to having improved self-esteem and feeling comfortable with a haircut that doesn’t cover the ears.

It is important to understand that the left and right ear are not the same size before the operation and there may be some difference between the ears post-operatively, however to the casual observer this will be minimal.

Achieving perfectly symmetrical ears is not a realistic goal of the operation. Having said that, otoplasty is a highly successful operation with excellent results with the combined approach Dr Robinson uses.

Related Information

LOP Ear

To discuss if otoplasty is recommended for you, please make an appointment with Dr Dan Robinson.