Pre-Operation

• Consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat to examine the details of the problem and to plan its correction. She will take a complete medical history is taken and a thorough examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. Dr Konrat will describe the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• You should avoid Asprin, Nsaid, Brufen, Vitamin E Capsules and any Anti-Inflammatory medication for two weeks before and after your procedure.
• Avoid alcohol for two weeks before and after your procedure.
• You must stop smoking two weeks before and a month after your procedure. Smoking decreases the blood flow to the skin and can delay healing.
• You will need to make arrangements for someone to accompany you home and care for you as the sedation during the procedure m ay made you drowsy for up to 24 hours.
• You must notify Dr Konrat if you have any medical problems or allergies to any tablets, drugs, dressings or any medication.
• Photographs and measurements are taken before and after surgery in order to evaluate the final results.

The Operation

• The operation is performed as day surgery in the minor operations room at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic under sedation with long-acting local anesthetic, (similar to "twilight" anesthetic).
• In most cases, even when only one ear appears to protrude or 'stick-out' both ears are usually operated on to ensure a more balanced appearance post-operatively. An incision is made in the natural crease hidden behind the ear.
• Permanent sutures are placed in the cartilage to produce a natural-appearing fold.
• The ear cartilage may also be anchored closer to the head with permanent sutures. In a few patients, some cartilage may be removed.

Post-Operation

• This is an outpatient procedure, which means you go home on the same day. You must organise for someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You will not be discharged from the hospital unless there is someone to pick you up, and you should not take public transport.
• You will wear a protective head dressing for one week after the operation.
• Stitches are usually removed, or dissolve in about a week and adult patients usually return to work about five days after surgery.
• You should expect mild pain, which can be controlled with prescription oral pain medication. After about three days, you will probably no longer require prescription pain medication. However, at night it is recommended to take one Panadol tablet (500mg) to ensure a comfortable night's sleep during the first week following surgery.
• It is also recommended to wear a wide headband, the head garment, or a beanie to bed at night to prevent the ears folding forwards whilst turning over during sleep at night.
• You must not participate in sports where your ears might be bumped, bruised or pulled for 6 weeks following otoplasty surgery.