Are you hiding behind your hair? Has being a slave to jewellery fashion over the years given you drooping earlobes to rival Julia Gillard? Have you got one ear bigger than the other resulting in an unsightly and asymmetrical appearance? Are ‘Dumbo’, ‘Big Ears’ and ‘Bat Ears’ names you’ve heard enough of?
Marylyn Monroe famously said ‘Imperfection is beauty’. This can be true for many facial features, for example, Reese Witherspoon’s unusual jaw line. Nevertheless, neat symmetrical ears improve the face greatly and celebrities such as Jim Carey have eradicated the unattractive ear problem, improving their look and banishing low self-esteem. Achieving the perfect ear is a simple surgical treatment performed by a plastic surgeon like myself, and is technically known as Otoplasty.
The first step is your consultation. I will show you before and after pictures of previous patients so you are aware of what results to expect. I will also be sure I know exactly the results you are looking to achieve as well as making you aware of what is realistic, and the potential risks.
An Otoplasty is a simple procedure lasting one hour and a half. A discreet incision is made behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped, the ear is drawn closer to the head and held in place with stiches. Because the incision is made behind the ear you will have no visible scarring. As well as this, after surgery you will only have to stay in hospital for a few hours!
The recovery process is fairly short for an Otoplasty. However, we do suggest you avoid contact sports for up to six weeks. As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, you will have some bruising and swelling, but very little pain. If some discomfort is felt, an everyday painkiller will help. You will have a bandage round the head until the stiches come out (five to seven days) and you should return to normal after just two weeks.
Otoplasty surgery fees start from $4,400 and earlobe reduction surgery starts from $2,900 which assumes the patient has top hospital cover with a private health fund. To discuss your suitability for these procedures with Dr. Kohout, please phone 1300 551 151 or email info@drmarkkohout.com.au. More info on Dr. Kohout and his work can be found at www.drmarkkohout.com.au