Ear re-shaping (otoplasty) compensation claims
Ear re-shaping or otoplasty (also known as pinnaplasty) is the main treatment for prominent ears that reshapes the cartilage in the ear and uses plastic stitches to pin the ears back. Ear re-shaping can, on occasion, be done by just using stitches alone. The procedure may also be known as ear pinning.
A pinnaplasty can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic, but a general anaesthetic is usually used for children.
Complications from cosmetic surgery
Specific complications of pinnaplasty are uncommon but can include:
- an infection in the wound that may make the ear swollen and weepy - this would normally be treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes, but in rare cases further surgery may be needed to drain the infected area
- a blood clot in the skin of the ear, which may dissolve naturally or may need to be drawn out with a needle
- some loss of skin from the area, which may need a later skin graft - this is very rare
- the development of unusually red or raised scars (keloid scars), which some people have a genetic tendency to
- asymmetrical ear position - in a few cases further surgery may be necessary to readjust the ears
Surgeons must give the patient reasonable information about the risks to enable the patient to give valid consent to the surgery.
Cosmetic surgery claims, how we can help
If during your cosmetic surgery a medical practitioner has not taken due care and you have suffered an injury as a result, you might be able to make a compensation claim for negligence or breach of contract.
Making a cosmetic surgery claim
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
