Ear reshaping

Neonatal ear moulding

Neonatal ear moulding is usually very successful, particularly if it is carried out before the age of three months.

A study in New Zealand found that in 86% of cases moulding achieved either complete correction or significant improvement. Only 13% of cases showed no, or very limited, improvement.

There have been no reports of any complications arising from neonatal ear moulding.

Otoplasty

The majority of people are happy with the results of their otoplasties. However, it is important to have realistic expectations about exactly what surgery can achieve. While surgery can make your ears less prominent, it cannot make your ears smaller.

Before having an otoplasty, your surgeon should be able to show you pre- and post-procedure photographs of other people who have had an otoplasty. This will give you a better understanding of the likely outcome of your surgery.

Otoplasties are generally very safe. However, all surgery carries a small risk of complication. The possible complications that may arise from an otoplasty are:

• The site of the surgical incision may become infected. If you develop an infection, you will need to have treatment with antibiotics. Occasionally, surgery may be required to drain pus from an infected ear.
• A blood clot may form in the skin of the ear, which will need to be removed with a needle.
• The scars that are left behind the ears may become red and raised.
• Very rarely, there is some loss of skin from the ear, which will require a further skin graft.