 |
|
Ear Reshape
Click here to see a video of our Senior Surgeon and Medical Director Andrew Skanderowicz F.R.C.S. discussing the ear reshape (otoplasty) operation.
The Operation
Day of Ear Reshape Surgery
Important factors to be fully aware of before an ear reshape operation are:
1. Driving
Do not drive home after an ear reshape operation as you will receive sedatives with the local anaesthetic which will prevent you from driving. If the operation is performed under general anaesthetic remember it is against the law to drive within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic. You will need to arrange for transport to take you to and from the hospital.
2. Eating & Drinking
Abstain from all food and drink (including sweets and water) for at least 4 hours before your ear reshape operation if it is being performed under local anaesthetic. If the operation is being performed under general anaesthetic increase this time to 8 hours.
3. Body Jewellery
Ensure all body piercings and jewellery is removed before you leave home.
You will need to bring with you:
• All necessary personal items for a short hospital stay (e.g. dressing gown, slippers, toothbrush, etc).
• All medications that you are currently taking including any/all alternative medicine/preparations/tablets/capsules.
When you arrive at the hospital you will be met by the admitting officer who will confirm your personal details (e.g. name, address, next of kin, etc) before escorting you to your room.
Once you have changed into an operating gown, you will then be required to complete a questionnaire to ascertain your current medical status.
A nurse will then complete final routine preoperative checks measuring your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Patients over 40 years of age will have an ECG (electrocardiogram) which monitors your heart and evaluates your fitness for surgery. Any medication/s you are currently taking must be given to the nurse.
The operating surgeon will then see you to answer any final questions/queries you may have about the ear reshape procedure before taking preoperative photographs of your ears and making the necessary skin markings.
Finally, if the ear reshape operation is being performed under general anaesthetic the anaesthetist will see you to complete the final checks. You will then be taken into the operating theatre for your ear reshape operation.
The Ear Reshape Operation
An ear reshape operation (otoplasty) usually takes about an hour to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic in young children whereas local anaesthesia and sedation may be preferred in older children and adults.
Several techniques are available and most surgeons adopt their favourite one which suits them best and which is modified according to each individual situation. Local anaesthetic with adrenalin is usually injected under the skin to reduce pain and bleeding during and after the procedure.
Incisions are made in the groove behind the ear so that any scars will be hidden. The skin is lifted from the underlying cartilage which is then suitably reshaped and trimmed accordingly.
After the procedure is completed the skin edges are stitched using dissolvable stitches and a turban bandage applied.
To find out more about Ear Reshape Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Ear Reshape - Before The Operation
Ear Reshape - After The Operation
Ear Reshape FAQs
Ear Reshape Gallery
or
Click here to download London Cosmetic Surgery Centre's "Guide to Ear Reshape"
Further Information about Ear Reshape Surgery can be obtained by reading our senior surgeon's latest book "Every Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery". If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.
