Commonly used terms – ears pinned back, ear correction, prominent ears, ear pinning.
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and has more than 20 years experience in performing prominent ear surgery and ear correction surgery - also known as otoplasty and ear pinning.
He performs surgery in Perth on both adults and children.
The care he offers is highly individualised and based on your needs. After a comprehensive and thorough discussion with you, he will personally work with you on your ear surgery procedure plan that is designed to get your desired result.
What is prominent ear surgery?
What is ear correction surgery?
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a word that means to change the shape or form of an ear. The common condition that requires otoplasty is called prominent ears (bat ears). These are very common in the population and in some cases can cause a degree of social embarrassment.
Although it is evident that some young children have prominent ears, it is rare for a child less than 6-7 years of age to be aware if this is a problem for them. Dr Blennerhassett would generally encourage delaying any surgical intervention for at least the first 6-7 years of the child’s life.
Once the child is actively involved in making a decision and discussing the pros and cons of the surgery, then we find that they are much better equipped to deal with the post-operative protocols, which include head bandaging and sutures etc.
What is the cause of prominent ears?
The cause of prominent ears is usually due to the absence of a particular fold called the antihelical fold, which when absent causes a degree of flattening and forward projection or lateral projection of the ears. In most cases, the ears themselves are of normal size, however, they have not fully folded, and as a result they sit further out.
What does prominent ear surgery involve?
Correction of the prominent ears takes place under general anaesthetic and usually involves making an incision on the posterior (rear or back) of the ear and then - using a number of different techniques - a suitable fold is made in the ear cartilage to allow it to sit back in a more normal or appropriate position. The wound on the back of the ear is then carefully sutured and a bandage is applied. The head bandage remains for approximately 10 days after the surgery.
The surgery is done as a Day Case procedure and usually pain is well tolerated in the post-operative course.
Dr Blennerhassett performs prominent ear surgery in fully accredited, fully equipped hospitals with skilled anaesthetists. His team includes anaesthetists highly experienced in caring for children.
What does prominent ear surgery aftercare involve?
Patients are instructed not to perform any sporting activity and also to keep the head bandages dry for the first 10 days or so. At that stage, they will return to our rooms and we will remove the head bandage and sutures.
Further instructions on how to manage the ears will be given at that stage. Usually the ears are a little bruised at the time of removal of the bandages and also the ears may feel slightly numb when touched. The bruising and numbness will gradually settle over the ensuing few weeks.
All dressings changes are carried out by our highly experienced nurses.
What is the cost of prominent ear surgery in Perth?
Dr Blennerhassett's practice manager will be able to advise you of the costs associated with your individualised treatment plan for prominent ear surgery.
Please phone Paula or Tara on 08 9381 6977
In general, costs associated with prominent ear surgery may include:
*surgeon's fee
*hospital or surgical facility costs
*anaesthesia fees
*prescriptions for medication
In many cases, surgery for prominent ears can be claimed on private insurance, provided it is done prior to the patient's 18th birthday. Please contact us on 08 9381 6977 for more details on this.
*Please note – recent Medicare changes have impacted on this procedure (see “before surgery”). After turning 18, all costs will have to be met by the patient.
