Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

All Surgeons working with Health Horizon Holidays fulfill the criteria below:

•    Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of ten years in plastic surgery.
•    Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and
      reconstruction.
•    Operates only in accredited medical facilities
•    Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
•    Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
•    Is board certified by MAPACS (Malaysia Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial
      Surgeons).

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

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, as well as 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.

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, chances are, you'll be quite pleased with the result.

The Procedure

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
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.

Postoperatory

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 anesthesia wear off.
The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.
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. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

Preparation for Otoplasty

Before you undergo facial implant surgery, it is important for you to discuss any medical conditions that you have and to tell your surgeon about any medications that you are taking including any herbal or other non-prescription ones. If your surgeon decides that you can have facial implant surgery, discuss the procedure thoroughly with him or her before deciding if you want to go through with the procedure. Even though your surgeon says that you may does not mean that you must decide to have facial implant surgery. You may still change your mind even after discussing the procedure with your surgeon.

The surgeon will consult with you either by email or on the phone prior to your departure to understand your requests fully, and will also detail the procedure, benefits and risks and answer any questions you have.  He may require additional information from you before booking the procedure  - including a photo, and a doctor's medical report. The assessment with the surgeon will give you a detailed understanding of the treatment - the extent of surgery, your health evaluation, your expectations and exactly where the areas of the face will be treated. When you are happy with what has been discussed, and have signed a booking form for the operation, the surgery will be booked at a date agreed.

Your surgeon should be able to answer any questions that you have about facial implant surgeries including questions about what to expect during and after facial implant surgery and the complications or problems that sometimes occur with facial implant surgeries. You may also take information from this website to your appointment to discuss with him.

You will then have another consultation with the surgeon when you arrive in Malaysia, where he will have a physical evaluation of the areas to be treated.  At this appointment you and your surgeon will discuss your goals, and last queries you have and finalize the plan for surgery. From this examination, he can determine the best procedure to use, and then explain it to you in detail, including the benefits and limitations. The surgeon may also recommend a combination of the upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty or submental liposuction, for a better facial profile.

It is important to stress the importance of not smoking before facial implant surgery procedure. Smoking can cause problems with circulation and make complications more likely, including post-operative chest procedures.

Your new look

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery, especially when the goal is improvement, not perfection. Perfectly symmetrical ears is both unlikely and unnatural. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon, chances are, you'll be quite pleased with the result.

Preconditions and Risks

A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.
Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
We minimize risks and complications by selecting patients carefully and always having the most skilled surgeons, physicians and nurses carry out procedures. However, despite the highest standards, complications can occur. They are rare, and most patients will not have complications, but if you have concerns about possible complications, please discuss these with your doctor. 

Common Q & As

If you have questions other than those listed here, please view our complete page for Q & A.
Ear surgery and holiday packages

Health Horizon Holidays offers Nose reshaping with the individual and couple/family packages. If you want to combine your treatment with another, please read about our package for combined treatments.

Contact Us for further information regarding Otoplasty