Am I a good candidate for ear surgery?
You may be a good candidate for ear surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• If your ears are prominent and stick out.
• If you feel you are unable to wear your hair tied back due to protruding ears.
• If you suffer criticism due to your ears sticking out.
• If you have one ear that sticks out or if you have one ear bigger than the other.

What to Expect At Your Consultation:
During your consultation, Dr. Viral Desai will ask you what you expect from surgery for yourself or for your child. He will inform you of the risks and complications as well as the benefits of surgery.
The staff at CPLSS Centre understands that it can be very difficult for a person to make enquiries about such a delicate matter, particularly where young children are involved. Our caring and supportive staff is more than happy to
help you with the necessary arrangements to make an appointment to see Dr. Viral Desai. It is their aim to make you feel as relaxed, comfortable and fully informed about the procedure as possible. Please do not hesitate to ask the staff for any assistance.
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance at CPLSS Centre. Strictest care is taken to ensure your privacy.

Otoplasty Technique:
When having otoplasty surgery, a fold is created at the central point of the ear enabling Dr. Viral Desai to reshape the cartilage. Dr. Viral Desai then removes skin and either folds or removes a portion of the cartilage, allowing the ear to bend naturally towards the head.

Risks, Complications And Side Effects:
Complications related to Otoplasy are extremely rare, however there are things you should be aware of before proceeding with surgery.
• There may be some bruising or bleeding.
• 100% symmetry cannot be guaranteed
• There is a possibility of follow-up surgery, should one of the ears protrude again.
• There may be some slight discomfort for the first few days post-operatively however this should  not last long.
  Infection can occur and require antibiotics.
• Rarely, the scars can thicken and require treatment.

Pre-Operative Operation:
Smoking should be ceased two weeks prior to surgery (including the use of nicotine patches).
Any blood thinning tablets (i.e. aspirin/disprin) or vitamins should be ceased two weeks prior to surgery.
Fasting is required 7 hours prior to surgery including water, chewing gum and lollies.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery:
You will have fasted for 7 hours prior to that. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and a top that is either zipped or buttoned at the front so that you do not have to pull anything over your head. You will be given either a general or local anaesthetic; it is important to inform either Dr. Viral Desai or the anaesthetist of any previous reactions to anaesthetics, or if you or your child are anxious or suffer from a nervous disorder. Anaesthetists who work with Dr. Viral Desai have had extensive experience working with children, and are very familiar with all facets of plastic surgery. You can expect to be at the hospital for 2-4 hours. The procedure will take approximately 60 minutes. You will not be permitted to leave the day facility until staff is completely satisfied that you are well enough to leave.
If you are a day surgery patient it is essential that you have someone to take you to and from the day facility. It is also imperative that someone stays with you for a 24-hour period after the procedure. The ears will have sutures in place, which will be removed after 2 weeks. A bandage will need to stay in place around the head for 7-10 days and you will need to buy a tennis headband to wear around your head when you arrive home.

When can I resume normal activities?
The decision for a child to return to school will depend on the parents and the child. Everyone heals at a different rate and some children will need to stay home longer than others. The average time spent away from work or school is approximately 7 days. It is important to avoid physical activity/exercise for at least three weeks.

Maintaining Your Patient/Doctor Relationship:
Dr. Viral Desai is a very approachable doctor who understands the needs of his patients in relation to Otoplasty. He has a great deal of expertise with children. Please feel free to approach him with any questions or concerns you would like addressed. You will return to the consulting rooms for follow up care, where progress will be monitored. Post-operative photographs will be taken at a later date.
It is important to remember that the relationship between you and Dr. Viral Desai does not end when you leave the hospital. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact the office to speak with him.