Surgical Procedures

 
 
   

Otoplasty

 

It's usually pretty obvious.... your ears stick out.  

Most people with prominent ears think that their ears are too large and that they just stick out too far.

Actually their ears are usually normal in size but failed to develop the intricate folds that result in the ear appearing smaller and closer to the head.

Cosmetic correction of prominent ears (Otoplasty) does two things. It recreates or reinforces the missing folds and recesses the ear closer to the head.

Otoplasty procedures are covered by OHIP only until the age of xxxxxx

Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty): How It is Done

The procedure is usually done with mild oral sedation and local anaesthetic. It takes
about an hour to do.

Otoplasty involves recreating the missing soft folds in the ear cartilage and reducing the distance of the ear from the scalp.

There are a number of ways to do this. We use the Mustardé technique because it is safe and predictable.

Once the area is completely numb the front and back surfaces of the ear are carefully marked. A incision is made behind the ear and a small ellipse of skin is removed. This allows exposure of the ear cartilage. Three non absorbable sutures are placed to fold the ear and an additional one placed to recess the ear against the scalp. The incision is then closed with an absorbable suture.

 
After the operation a soft compressive headband is applied. This is worn for the
next 10 nights to prevent folding or bending of the newly corrected ears. It can be
removed during the daytime allowing for an early return to work, often in two to
three days. The procedure is done around your existing hair style and no hair is
cut or shaved. You will be able to shower and shampoo the day after your
procedure.  Discomfort is minimal and easily controlled with pain medication.

This procedure offers dramatic, immediate results that will last a lifetime.  It's a
great example of the important psychological benefits that cosmetic surgery can
produce.

Surgery of the adult ear can:


Surgery of the ear in adults is a gratifying procedure that can solve many of
the problems associated with prominent ears.

Questions about:

Anesthesia is required for this procedure. It is usually local anesthetic.

Infection can occur after any operation. A surgically clean environment, careful surgical technique, healthy patients and suitable antibiotic coverage will minimize the risk of infection. We have not had an infection following an Otoplasty.

Numbness of the operated area is an expected side effect. This gradually disappears over a period of 2-3 months.

Scars are a necessary part of any surgical procedure. An Otoplasty  incision and resulting scar is placed behind the ear  and is usually nearly invisible when healed. Very rarely these scars become hypertrophic or frankly keloidal in nature. We work hard to give you the very best outcome.

From Initial Phone call to Post Op Visits: How it Works

Your initial contact with the office will be with Trish, our Patient Coordinator. She will guide you through the process. You will then meet with Dr. Weiglein to determine the best solution to your particular problem. This initial meeting is designed to be an information and educational meeting. It is actually a time when you "audition" us and we "audition" you. With your input a recommendation will be made and all questions answered. We have numerous pre and post operative photos for you to see. There are always former patients available to speak with you about their experience. We welcome friends / husbands/ others to this meeting.

You will then meet with Trish again to discuss costs, scheduling and logistics. If you require more time to consider your options, or wish another appointment, we will arrange it. If you wish to finance the procedure we will assist you.

We encourage you to see us as a second opinion.

If you elect to proceed you will then meet with one of our nurses for your pre operative visit. She will review the procedure and expectations. Any necessary lab reports will be reviewed. Anesthesia standards require a pre operative physical from a family doctor.

We will provide you with full written post operative care instructions, your prescriptions, follow-up appointment dates, contact telephone numbers and instructions for care-givers at your pre operative appointment. No question will be unanswered.

Need more information?
Please contact us if you have questions. 

We are one of the leading cosmetic surgery practices in Canada so you can rely on our expertise.