Otoplasty Pre-Operative Information
All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and following at least two consultations with a qualified medical practitioner.
This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for otoplasty (prominent ear correction). It should be read alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment.
About Otoplasty
Otoplasty is surgery to correct prominent ears — ears that protrude significantly from the side of the head. The procedure addresses the anatomical components contributing to the prominence, which most commonly include an underdeveloped anti-helical fold, a large conchal bowl, or both. Dr Roth’s preferred approach uses cartilage-bending and suture techniques to reshape the ear into a natural position, avoiding the sharp edges that can result from older cartilage-cutting techniques.
Otoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. In children aged four to five years, general anaesthesia is standard. Selected adult patients may have the procedure under sedation. The operation typically takes one to two hours. Surgery is performed as day surgery and most patients are discharged the same day.
Otoplasty can be performed at any age once the ears are fully developed — typically from approximately four years of age. The ideal timing for children is before starting school, when the cartilage is soft and pliable and the procedure is technically most straightforward.
Before Surgery
Medications to Cease
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing products
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all anti-inflammatory medications
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
- Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
- Vitamin E supplements, fish oil, garlic tablets, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John’s Wort
A full list is available on the Medications to Avoid page →
Fasting
- No solid food or milk for at least six hours before surgery
- Clear fluids permitted up to two hours before — confirmed by the hospital the day before
- For children: fasting times will be confirmed by the anaesthetist; do not give any food or drinks outside these times
Practical Preparations
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you or your child home and stay for the first night
- Adults: plan at least five to seven days away from work
- Children: plan at least one week away from school; two to three weeks away from sport and rough play
- Prepare loose-fitting clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head — a front-fastening top or zip-up jacket is ideal
- Have prescribed medications ready before the day of surgery
What to Expect in Recovery
Important Post-Operative Instructions
- The head bandage must remain on for one full week — do not remove it early
- Sleep on the back — do not sleep on the operated ear
- Wear the elastic headband at night for four to six weeks after the bandage is removed
- Avoid all contact sport, rough play, and activities with risk of ear injury for at least six weeks
- Do not pull clothing over the head — use front-fastening garments for two weeks
- Avoid swimming until clearance is given by Dr Roth (typically six weeks)
- Do not drive while taking oxycodone
When to Seek Urgent Assistance
- Sudden, rapidly increasing swelling on one side — may indicate a haematoma requiring urgent drainage
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing pain not controlled by prescribed medication
- Increasing redness, warmth, or purulent discharge
Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439 | Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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