• ANAESTHETIC - LOCAL WITH ADDED SEDATION - OR GENERAL
• STAY IN HOSPITAL FOR GENERAL ANAESTHETIC PROCEDURE ­ 1 DAY AND 1 NIGHT
• INITIAL RECUPERATION ­ 5 DAYS

Protruding ears (also known as Bat Ear Syndrome) can be hereditary and is generally the result of a malformed Anti-Helical Fold or the position of your Concha. Or in most cases both. These conditions can result in the ears standing away from the head instead of fitting snugly to the sides of the head.

The Otoplasty surgical procedure to rectify protruding ears is fairly straight-forward but as each case is unique and expectations differ from one patient to another it is essential that an in-depth discussion is arranged between you and the surgeon prior to surgery.

Following that discussion, during which you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you like regarding the procedure, your surgeon will inform you in detail how the procedure will be conducted and how you or your child can pre-operatively play your part in the successful outcome of the surgery.

YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR MY PROCEDURE?

Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all cosmetic /plastic surgery procedures they naturally have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.

Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.

HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

When you complete the Medical History section of the General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital photograph (in colour) of the area(s) of your body requiring surgery.

Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular requirements along with your medical history and digital photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation free teleconference between the two of you.

At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession of all the facts relating to your particular case but also be in a position to recommend the exact method to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your surgeon will also be available at this point to answer any questions you may have as regards your surgery and the outcome.

You will be encouraged at all times prior to your surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by asking as many questions as you like.

On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon. Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome will be discussed along with any other questions you may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead with the procedure your decision will be respected.

SHOULD MY CHILD OR I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO SURGERY?

If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking prior to surgery in order to prevent unnecessary complications.

Vitamin E in large doses, Arnica tablets, analgesics like Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should also not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding during the process.

Your surgeon however will give you personal advice in this department.

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?

The problems relating to the Anti-Helical Fold and the Concha can generally be attended to at the same time. Ear Surgery is usually conducted through incisions being made in the natural crease behind the ear. The malformed Anti-helical Fold will be re-created with the aid of an instrument that will be used to smooth the Anti-helical Fold into the correct shape. The problems associated with the Concha will also be normalised during the procedure. The fully absorbable stitches will enable the surgery to heal without interruption.

WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PROCEDURE?

Ear Surgery without complications is a fairly straightforward procedure - as is the recovery there from. Surgery takes approximately two hours and can be performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic. However a general anaesthetic is generally preferred in the case of children and for some adult patients. In the case of a general anaesthetic the patient is usually discharged from hospital the day following surgery.

A post-operative bandage will need to be worn but will normally be removed five days after surgery. Thereafter the patient will only have to wear a bandage at night to prevent any disturbance to the ears during sleep. Depending on the patient’s individual progress the night bandage will have to be worn for between two to three weeks after surgery.

HOW SOON BEFORE NORMALITY IS RESTORED?

As is the case with most surgical procedures it is advisable to take it easy after an Otoplasty Procedure. Recovery depends largely on the individual but most of the swelling and bruising associated with the procedure should be gone after two weeks, and a full recovery can be expected after three weeks.

However for the best results it essential to treat the ear region with tender loving care during the early recovery period and to be aware of the operated area for a good couple of months thereafter.

The area where the incisions are placed during the surgical procedure, in the natural crease behind the ear, generally heals very well and becomes unnoticeable as time progresses.

RISKS

As with everything else in life there are also risks involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that you are in a position to make an informed decision