Preparing for surgery
After the initial consultation, our ART MEDIC surgeon will examine the shape and size of your ears and determine the extent of the surgery needed. He will discuss the factors that may affect the procedure—such as the shape of your face and ears, physical limitations—and the possible changes in your appearance as the result of the surgery.
ART MEDIC surgeons will give you instructions how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the effect that the surgery will have on your face. Our specialists will also explain the effects of the anaesthesia that will be used, will show you the operating theatre where the surgery will be performed, and will inform you about all the costs involved. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications involved.
Description of surgery
Ear surgery usually takes two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique we will use depends on the problem. The procedure can be done under local anaesthetic, but if you wish, we are happy to perform the required surgery under general anaesthesia.
Our ART MEDIC surgeon makes an incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage, then sculpts or removes a larger piece of cartilage and skin if necessary to provide a natural look. Non-removable stitches are used to close the cut and help maintain the new shape.
After the surgery
If the surgery is done under local anaesthetic, you can leave after the operation. In the case of general anaesthesia, you will need to spend one night under supervision at our clinic and will be discharged the next morning.
Your ears and head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to ensure the best molding and healing. You may experience throbbing pain for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication prescribed to you by our surgeon.
The bulky bandages and the stitches will be removed after 7 days, and instead, a headband will be placed on the area. You have to make sure you will follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.
You should avoid all activities in which your ear might be hurt for a month and you should protect your ear from cold for two months. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery and children can go back to school after about seven days, if they're careful.
