Question 1

What is otoplasty (ear pinning)?

Accepted Answer

Otoplasty, often called ear pinning, is a surgical procedure to change the position or shape of the outer ear. It is most commonly performed to reduce prominent ears that sit further from the head than usual, and to restore folds in the cartilage that may not have developed fully during childhood. The procedure may involve cartilage reshaping, suture techniques to create or reinforce a fold, or a combination of approaches depending on the specific anatomy. Otoplasty only affects the outer ear cartilage and skin — it has no impact on the ear canal, the middle ear, or hearing. The procedure is performed at an accredited day surgery facility under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic, depending on age and individual circumstances.

Question 2

Why do some people's ears stick out?

Accepted Answer

Prominent ears are typically the result of how the ear cartilage developed before birth. There are two anatomical variations that most commonly produce prominent ears. The first is an underdeveloped antihelical fold — the natural inner fold of the ear — which means the upper part of the ear does not fold back towards the head as it normally would. The second is an enlarged or deepened conchal bowl, which is the cup-shaped part of the ear closest to the canal. A larger conchal bowl pushes the entire outer ear away from the head. Many people have a combination of both. Both are normal anatomical variations and do not affect hearing or ear function. They are sometimes hereditary, and ears reach close to adult size by around five to six years of age.

Question 3

What age is appropriate for a child to have ear pinning?

Accepted Answer

Children's ears reach close to their adult size by around five to six years of age. By this age, the cartilage is firm enough to hold a new shape after surgery but still flexible enough to make the procedure technically straightforward. Many families consider otoplasty before or during the early school years, particularly if the child has expressed concern about how their ears look or has been affected by teasing. There is no strict upper age limit — otoplasty can be performed throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The decision about timing is individual and is made between the family, the child where age-appropriate, and Dr Konrat at consultation. Cosmetic procedures on minors are subject to specific AHPRA requirements which Dr Konrat will explain at consultation.

Question 4

Can adults have otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Adults of any age can undergo ear pinning if they are in good general health and have a clear, considered reason for wanting the procedure. The surgical steps for adult otoplasty are similar to those used in children, although adult ear cartilage is firmer and may require slightly different handling, particularly when reshaping the antihelical fold. Recovery in adults is comparable to recovery in children — most adults return to desk-based work after about a week. Adult patients commonly seek otoplasty after years of being self-conscious about prominent ears, after a specific event such as a hairstyle change that drew attention to the ears, or simply because they have decided to address something they have considered for a long time. The two-consultation pathway, GP referral, and cooling-off period apply to adult otoplasty as for any cosmetic procedure.

Question 5

How is ear pinning surgery performed?

Accepted Answer

Ear pinning is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic with sedation in adults or general anaesthetic in younger children, depending on age and personal preference. The choice is made at consultation in discussion with the anaesthetist. A small incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear, where it meets the side of the head. Through this access, the cartilage can be reshaped using a combination of careful scoring of the cartilage, permanent sutures to create or reinforce the antihelical fold, and where indicated, a small reduction of the conchal bowl. The skin is then closed with fine sutures. The surgery typically takes between one and two hours for both ears. Because the incision sits behind the ear in a natural crease, the resulting scar is generally well hidden once healed.

Question 6

Is otoplasty painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedure itself is not painful because of the anaesthetic used. After surgery, mild to moderate discomfort is common in the first few days. Most patients describe it as a tight, sore, or pressure-like sensation around the ears rather than sharp pain. Pain relief medication — typically paracetamol with or without ibuprofen, and a short course of stronger analgesia if needed — is prescribed and is usually effective. Discomfort lessens noticeably each day and by one week most patients feel little to no pain. Sleeping on the back rather than the side helps reduce overnight discomfort during the first one to two weeks. If unexpected or worsening pain develops, the Bondi Junction practice should be contacted promptly so it can be assessed.

Question 7

What is recovery like after ear pinning?

Accepted Answer

Recovery from ear pinning follows a staged pattern. Immediately after surgery, a bulky head bandage is placed to protect the ears and maintain their new position. This bandage is usually kept in place for about a week. Once it is removed at the first follow-up appointment, a softer headband is worn day and night for another week, then at night only for several more weeks to protect the result during sleep. Most children and adults return to school or desk-based work after about a week. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact sports are avoided for three to four weeks to protect healing cartilage. Bruising and mild swelling are common in the first week. Final ear position settles over the following weeks and months. Follow-up appointments at the Bondi Junction practice monitor healing throughout this period.

Question 8

Will there be scars after otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

All surgery leaves a scar, but in otoplasty the incision is placed behind the ear in the natural crease where it meets the side of the head. This anatomical position keeps the resulting scar well hidden. In most cases, the scar fades to a thin pale line over three to six months and is difficult to notice unless deliberately looked for. Hair behind the ear, even short hair, also contributes to camouflaging the scar. A small number of patients form thicker, raised, or pigmented scars depending on individual healing tendency, ethnicity, age, and care during the early healing phase. The risk of unfavourable scarring is discussed at consultation and Dr Konrat provides written scar-care instructions, including silicone gel guidance and sun protection advice, with follow-up reviews at set intervals.

Question 9

Does ear pinning affect hearing?

Accepted Answer

No. Otoplasty does not alter the ear canal, the eardrum, the middle ear, or the inner ear — the structures that are responsible for hearing. The procedure is performed entirely on the outer ear cartilage and the skin behind the ear, well away from any hearing-related structures. Hearing before and after the procedure is unchanged. Patients sometimes notice that sounds feel slightly different in the first week or two after surgery because of the head bandage, residual swelling, and the change in how the ear sits — these effects resolve as healing progresses and are not related to actual hearing function. If you wear hearing aids, that will be discussed at consultation, but otoplasty itself does not affect their use.

Question 10

How long do the results of otoplasty last?

Accepted Answer

Otoplasty is designed to be a long-lasting procedure. Once the cartilage has healed in its new position, the result is generally permanent. A small amount of relaxation in the ear angle is normal in the first few months as tissue settles, which is why a headband is recommended at night for several weeks after surgery. Significant recurrence of prominent ears — where the ears noticeably move back towards their original position — is uncommon but is a recognised possibility. Trauma to the ear can disrupt the result, particularly in the early healing phase, which is why contact sports are avoided for the first several weeks. Long-term follow-up studies of otoplasty in published literature report stable results in the majority of patients, with revision rates that vary depending on technique used.

Question 11

What risks are involved with otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

All surgery carries risks, and otoplasty is no exception. Possible complications include bleeding and haematoma in the first 24 to 48 hours, infection, hypertrophic or thickened scarring, asymmetry between the two ears, changes in skin sensation behind or on the ear, sutures that break or work loose, partial recurrence of the original ear position, and in rare cases cartilage complications such as chondritis. Less common risks include skin pigmentation change, prolonged numbness, and the need for revision surgery. The risk of any complication is influenced by general health, smoking status, age, and aftercare compliance. All risks are discussed in detail during the two required consultations, and patients receive written material to review during the mandatory cooling-off period. The Bondi Junction practice has clear protocols for managing any complication that occurs.

Question 12

How much does otoplasty cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Otoplasty fees vary depending on the complexity of the procedure (one ear or both, the technique combination required for the specific anatomy), the facility used, anaesthetist fees, and follow-up requirements. Children's otoplasty under general anaesthetic typically has different facility and anaesthesia costs to adult otoplasty under local with sedation. A personalised written quote is provided after the first consultation, covering practitioner fees, anaesthetist fees, facility fees, and follow-up appointments, so it can be reviewed during the mandatory seven-day cooling-off period before any decision is made. There are no hidden charges. Dr Georgina Konrat is a cosmetic doctor and Medicare rebates do not apply for cosmetic otoplasty performed at this practice.

Question 13

Is otoplasty covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dr Georgina Konrat is a cosmetic doctor and Medicare rebates do not apply to cosmetic otoplasty procedures performed through her practice. Private health insurance rebates also generally do not apply to cosmetic procedures. Medicare item numbers for ear surgery exist for specific clinical pathways unrelated to cosmetic ear pinning — for example, where there is a documented functional issue assessed through the appropriate referral pathway — but cosmetic otoplasty performed for appearance reasons does not meet Medicare's criteria for funded surgery. All fees are discussed openly during the two required consultations and a written quote is provided that covers practitioner, anaesthetist, and facility costs so there are no surprises before booking.

Question 14

Can only one ear be corrected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If only one ear is prominent, surgery can be performed on that ear alone. However, in many cases the second ear has a subtle version of the same anatomical variation that is less obvious but contributes to overall balance, and operating on both ears can produce a more even result. Some patients also prefer to have both ears addressed for symmetry even when one is more obviously prominent. The decision is individual and is based on careful examination at consultation, where Dr Konrat will discuss what working on one ear versus both would mean for the final balance. Operating on one ear involves the same anaesthesia, recovery, and aftercare as operating on both, although the operative time is shorter.

Question 15

How should I prepare my child for ear pinning surgery?

Accepted Answer

Children benefit from clear, calm, age-appropriate explanations before any procedure. Describe what will happen in simple terms, focusing on what the child will experience — going to sleep with a special medicine, having a soft wrap on their head when they wake up, and going home the same day. Emphasise that the surgery will help their ears sit closer to the head, while avoiding negative language about how their ears currently look. Familiarise them with the practice by attending the in-person consultation together so they can meet the team in advance. Plan a quiet week at home after surgery with favourite books, screen time, and gentle activities. Pack their own pillow and a soft blanket for comfort. Dr Konrat's team is experienced with paediatric otoplasty and is happy to answer questions in advance.

Question 16

Are there non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

For newborns in the first few weeks of life, ear moulding devices can sometimes reshape soft cartilage if used very early — typically before about six weeks of age, while the cartilage is still influenced by maternal hormones. These devices need to be fitted and monitored by an appropriate practitioner. Beyond infancy, non-surgical methods are not effective for lasting correction because the cartilage has firmed and will not retain a new shape from external pressure alone. Tape, glue, and clip-style products marketed to older children and adults do not produce lasting change and can cause skin irritation. For older children, adolescents, and adults, surgical otoplasty remains the only reliable option for long-term correction of prominent ears.

Question 17

When can I return to school, work, or sport after otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to school or desk-based work about a week after otoplasty, once the head bandage has been removed and the soft headband has taken over. Patients in physically demanding roles or roles involving headwear may need longer. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and any contact sport are avoided for three to four weeks to protect healing cartilage from impact, friction, and water exposure that could disrupt sutures or introduce infection. Children should avoid rough play and any activity where their ears could be knocked, including ball sports and wrestling, for the same period. Dr Konrat will confirm a personalised return-to-activity timeline at follow-up appointments at the Bondi Junction practice based on individual healing.

Question 18

What kind of anaesthetic is used for otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Anaesthesia for otoplasty is chosen based on age, complexity, patient preference, and anaesthetist assessment. Younger children typically have general anaesthesia so they remain fully asleep during the procedure, which keeps them still and comfortable. Adolescents and adults may have either local anaesthetic with sedation — in which the patient is relaxed and comfortable but not fully unconscious — or general anaesthetic, depending on personal preference and the operative plan. The decision is made at the second consultation in conjunction with the anaesthetist. All procedures are performed in an accredited facility with continuous monitoring throughout. Dr Konrat will explain the options, the implications of each, and any factors in your medical history that may influence the choice.

Question 19

What aftercare is needed following ear pinning?

Accepted Answer

Aftercare after otoplasty includes wearing the head bandage as instructed for the first week, then transitioning to a soft headband worn day and night for a further week and at night only for several more weeks. The incisions are kept clean and dry as detailed in the written instructions provided. Sleeping on the back rather than the side protects the new ear position during the early healing phase. Hair washing is delayed for the period specified in your instructions. Pain relief medication is taken as prescribed. Strenuous activity, swimming, and contact sport are avoided for three to four weeks. Follow-up appointments at the Bondi Junction practice monitor healing, manage any concerns, and clear you for return to specific activities as healing progresses.

Question 20

What happens at a consultation for otoplasty in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

At an otoplasty consultation, Dr Konrat reviews your medical history, current medications, and any previous ear-related procedures. She examines both ears in detail, including the antihelical fold, the conchal bowl depth, the angle of the ear from the head, symmetry between the two sides, and any features specific to your individual anatomy. The proposed surgical plan is explained, including which technique combination would be used, the anaesthetic option being recommended, the expected recovery, and the main risks. You receive written information and a fee quote to take home. Two consultations are required before surgery can be booked, with at least one in person, plus a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period. A current GP referral is required before the first consultation under AHPRA cosmetic procedure rules.

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