-- Stick Out Ears, Anyone did Otoplasty? --
- Thread starter chestnut
- Start date
17years of my life, these mickey mouse ears i have had been obstructing alot of things in my life.For example I am an atheletic n sports-loving person, but i didn want to join sports in my school years because we hv to tie our hair up.I didn join dance because we hv to tie our hair at times.i cant cut the short andro hairstyle i love. in school i always get caught by the discipline masterfor letting strains of my hair down, for he is oblivious to he fact of my ears. sometimes i rather wish i werent born! i knew i cld hv gone much furthur and succeeded in life without these ears, but sad to say im a very insecure person. haix. anyone knows if there is any clinic tt allows for instalments? im a student and i dont mind slogging to pay it off. really donwan these ears to be hinder in life for the coming years
amanda - Sorry to hear that girl. Unfortunately, the ones I've checked with do not have instalment plans. What I can recommend is for you to save up for it then go get it done. I understand your pain! But I have to say that as I became older, it did not affect me as much but if given a choice, I'd do it (the surgery) too.
Hi all,
It sure sounds like many of you posting are all relatively young. I don't have problems with age because I am WELL over 21 (don't ask! Hehe). I finally called Dr Fok's clinic to make a first appointment to see him. Am looking forward to it.
I can totally share your thoughts about how it feels. When I was at your age, it really bothered me and now that I'm older, it doesnt bother me as much. I just tie my hair whenever it gets too hot! However, as I will be getting married soon, I thought it'd be a good time to finally get it over and done with.
yun - I hope you are over 21? And do consider carefully because it is afterall, a surgery.
It sure sounds like many of you posting are all relatively young. I don't have problems with age because I am WELL over 21 (don't ask! Hehe). I finally called Dr Fok's clinic to make a first appointment to see him. Am looking forward to it.
I can totally share your thoughts about how it feels. When I was at your age, it really bothered me and now that I'm older, it doesnt bother me as much. I just tie my hair whenever it gets too hot! However, as I will be getting married soon, I thought it'd be a good time to finally get it over and done with.
yun - I hope you are over 21? And do consider carefully because it is afterall, a surgery.
Went to see Dr Fok on Monday. The consultation was really quick. Took 15 mins! (Good money, man) He briefly explained how the surgery is done and then asked when I intend to do it.
Went to counter, selected a date, paid consultation fees AND 50% deposit to secure surgery date.
FINALLY!!!!!!
Went to counter, selected a date, paid consultation fees AND 50% deposit to secure surgery date.
FINALLY!!!!!!
purple_posh
New Member
Hi Capricon,
I'm keen to do the otoplasty surgery, mind to share your experience? If you don't mind, you can PM me. Otherwise, we can communciate via email.
Thanks!
I'm keen to do the otoplasty surgery, mind to share your experience? If you don't mind, you can PM me. Otherwise, we can communciate via email.
Thanks!
Hi Purple Posh,
Sori for the late reply...
Well, my advice is to go for general anesthia if u are going for the surgery as u simply go to sleep without knowing wat went on.
I remember having to be at the clinic half hour earlier to take some medication prior to the surgery. Dozed off almost immediately once the injection was given. When I woke up, there wasn't any bandages & I didn't feel any pain at all. However, the ears does look 'blue-black' and felt numb.
The only hassle is to take care when u lie down as the ears are still sore. I put on a headband for protection when I sleep. Abt two weeks later, the 'blue-black' subsided and the ears slowly returned to its normal colour. There was no stitches to be removed but u still have to go back for follow up approx twice after the surgery.
A very important advice is when you go to a hair salon in future after the surgery, pls let them know NOT to pull at your ears during the shampooing or massage process as it happen to me & I felt a sharp pain. Subsequently, I noticed the ear portruding out slightly and quickly went back to the doctor. That was really a tough one! Luckily, he did not charge me for doing the touch up.
Anyway, just have to be extra careful and treasure the 'new' ears.
Do let me know if you have further queries.
Sori for the late reply...
Well, my advice is to go for general anesthia if u are going for the surgery as u simply go to sleep without knowing wat went on.
I remember having to be at the clinic half hour earlier to take some medication prior to the surgery. Dozed off almost immediately once the injection was given. When I woke up, there wasn't any bandages & I didn't feel any pain at all. However, the ears does look 'blue-black' and felt numb.
The only hassle is to take care when u lie down as the ears are still sore. I put on a headband for protection when I sleep. Abt two weeks later, the 'blue-black' subsided and the ears slowly returned to its normal colour. There was no stitches to be removed but u still have to go back for follow up approx twice after the surgery.
A very important advice is when you go to a hair salon in future after the surgery, pls let them know NOT to pull at your ears during the shampooing or massage process as it happen to me & I felt a sharp pain. Subsequently, I noticed the ear portruding out slightly and quickly went back to the doctor. That was really a tough one! Luckily, he did not charge me for doing the touch up.
Anyway, just have to be extra careful and treasure the 'new' ears.
Do let me know if you have further queries.
princessjunior
New Member
Hi all - thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm curious - for those of you who did the surgery (some for over a year now it seems), were there any side effects? Did you have to go back for touch up jobs? Do the ears stay in place? I heard that in some cases, the ears stay numb for a long time... is that true?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
bingqiling
New Member
Rachel, how is your otoplasty so far? You go for Dr.Harry Fok? How is the cost? and The downtime?
Hi girls, sharing a 'remedy' my dad n bro used cuz they had Mickey mouse ears. They slept with their ears flat on pillow. My dad says it will help to 'push' the ears behind so it wun flap out. I guess it's possible cuz the human body is very adaptable to changes n may adjust overtime if the ears are placed in a certain position for so many hrs each night. You may try but I can't guarantee it works. Just sharing cuz it worked for my bro n dad..
bingqiling
New Member
Joos W
How long does yr dad and brother changed the habit and see the result so far?
How long does yr dad and brother changed the habit and see the result so far?
midnightsun83
New Member
Otoplasty is a surgery that can only be performed by surgeons, so beauty salons are non-options. Unlike double eyelid or nose bridge, otoplasty is not so common. So there are only a few reviews u can find online. Among the more frequently reviewed ones are Dr Harry Fok and Dr Fong Poh Him.
I plucked up the courage to visit Dr Harry Fok at his clinic 2 years ago. I found a review on singaporebrides and emailed the reviewer. She highly recommended Dr Fok as the stitches were dissolvable and she felt very little pain throughout the process. During consultation, I find him a very calm doctor who is assuring and confident. He asked me to look into the mirror and simulated the effect by using a pointer and pushing my ears inwards. I went away knowing that the cost is 5000+gst, with medication to pay for.
Procrastination.. Procrastination..
This year, I visited Dr Fong when I read a review from his patient on Flowerpod. His charges were lower at about 3500, and he is an older doctor with more experience. I was further assured when we met at his clinic in a hospital. I'm old school.. Hospital = better than clinic. So I made an appointment for a surgery before I change my mind or procrastinate for another 10 yrs again.
End of Apr, I took 2 days leave with public holiday so I could rest for 5 days post surgery. Upon arriving on time, I was photographed for official documentation. 15 mins later, I was lying on the surgery bed. It was cold.. And I was shivering badly from fear and anxiety; my teeth was chattering. I wanted to jump out and leave, but bit my lip and harnessed the deepest resolve within me for the last 20 years. So Dr Fong came in (and I knew there was no turning back). There were 2 men with him in doctor's robes so I assumed they were interns coz they were asking questions but did not touch any surgical equipment.
A sterile blue sheet was placed over my head with a hole to expose my ear. The anaesthesia was injected over many spots with many jabs, and that already hurt quite a bit, so my nerves went all awry. The cutting and sewing quickly took place all over the back of the ears, and all the time my imagination ran very, very wild. The sound of cutting my skin and cartilage was all magnified since it's just right beside your ears. So I hummed a song and bit the blanket that kept me warm. Lots of saliva and much fabric fibre in my teeth later, I was informed that the surgery was over. A quick glance at the watch- just a mere 20 mins on the op table seemed like an eternity.
Happily, the surgeon handed me a mirror and I took a look, fully expecting a brand new pair of ears. To my utter disappointment that had no words to describe, only one ear was satisfactorily operated. The other just had lots of blood among many horrifying long stitches and had no improvement at all. I couldnt believe i went under the knife for 50% results. The helpful nurses helped me dress the wound, and hair got into the way all the time.
I was enraged and frustrated, yet very tired.. Exhausted actually. All the nerves took its toil on me. I literally took a huge sigh and Dr Fong said we would review in a week's time to see how it would heal. It was too glaringly obvious, but I let him say what he wanted to. No use arguing like a shrew in a plastic surgery clinic. And I never thought about not being able to wear specs, so I took the cab home in the blind. It was all very funny.
The first few hours was painful psychologically, as the results were so disappointing. The real physical pain was quite manageable, but it was still naggingly annoying. I could not do anything without losing my mind to the pain. Not even watching my favourite CSI. The stitches also started opening on the bad ear, so the blood dripped all over my shoulder. I could only dab it with tissue paper (painfully, no less!) and wash with the clear liquid provided. It was one word- torturous. I rem crying and laughing at the same time - how much more suay can anyone get? I thought I'd get sympathy points from Up Above because I lived with SUCH ugly ears for over 20 years, but nada.
Taking a shower is a pain in the neck because u can't wet ur hair and ears and the surrounding areas like face. So a snug shower cap and patience are critical. Wetting the dressing is a big deal because infections may set in, among other nasty things.
The second day was not much better than the first, but the third day was a significant milestone. The scabs fell off and I washed my hair (that was pretty awesome), although i had to be really patient and gentle when doing so cos Dr Fong cut and stitched the whole of my ears. But the wounds still hurt so that I jumped every time I apply the antibiotic cream. It is a huge problem to apply the cream on your own because quite literally, you can't see. So I let my nurse assistant sister help me and she was the most amazing angel ever alive. The good ear already looked good and normal, so I could pin up my hair to go outdoors and still apply the cream. But bedtime was always a nightmare because I am a side sleeper and no other way, so I didn't sleep for days except the occasional doze off on the couch in front of the tv.
It was uphill all the way from there, and even though there was just 1 good ear, the confidence boost was exhilarating. I have to endure many sleepless nights of asking myself why I never did this earlier.
So several weeks passed, and I realised I'm losing the results of my good ear too. I was all the more frustrated; like, I can't even have one good ear until my next surgery!??!! Then I realised I have been sleeping on my ears and took no precautions so that they folded. I was devastated. How come nobody told me this supremely important thing?!!??!
I made an appointment for a second surgery in early Sep, letting the wounds heal becos it was a long cut after all. Though I was on time, the appointments were full and there was a complicated case before mine, so I waited 1.5hrs to see Dr Fong, only to realise that the surgery would only be slated in many hours later. I didn't want to waste time and have a rush job, so I agreed to the nurse's plea to come back another day.
I returned the third time 2 weeks later, and specially woke up earlier to wash my hair since it would be an activity i would miss for the next 48 hrs. I waited 1hr again even though my appointment is at 9am. By now I've already gotten used to it. This time being on the operating table was as scary as before, and the anaesthesia somehow was alot more painful, I cringed very hard. It was very cold again, and I requested for an additional blanket. Dr Fong worked the tip of my ears as my stick-out is mostly on top (like an elf and not like Dumbo), and I felt more assured this time. Which also means that the last surgery, I endured more cuts for nothing. Oh well, that's life for me.
It all took an eternity of 15 minutes and I was all done. A look into the mirror - voila. All flat and nice. Dr Fong told me that it would bleed a little more than the last time becos he used more stitches to hold the ears in place, given that they stuck out after the last surgery. He also went the extra mile to use dissolvable stitches given that i have made 3 trips already, so that i dont have to return for stitch removal. But bleed it did. And one ear tip became squarish. Super funny. But whatever's better than my old stick-out ears.
Ice packs were applied as I had some bleeding, but I rem feeling sooooooooo relieved that the results were good. The nurses gently dressed the wounds and sent me home with a package of meds and dressing.
On the way home, the wounds bled slightly, but the pain was low. Then I got home and saw the bleeding in the mirror, and my knees went wobbly. I applied ice pack and managed to lighten the bleeding, careful not to wet the dressing. Then I used the antiseptic liquid from the get-home pack and cleaned up the wound. I also took the antibiotics and painkillers.
Distractions are critical to take the mind off the mild nagging pain and my wild imagination. So I watched lots of funny videos and YouTube. It helped tremendously.
Then sleeping was my biggest challenge becos I sleep on my side. But I was desperate not to mess this surgery up. So I stacked the pillows and slept elevated. I also wore a headband (elastic bandage from guardian) to prevent accidental folding of ears. Nonetheless, I woke up to find myself sleeping on my ears and luckily there was no tearing or bleeding.
The second night was the toughest for me becos my hair was incredibly greasy. So ignoring that, I put 2 pillows together with a gap between, and slept with the ears over the gap. This time it worked better.
Then it's uphill from day 3 cos it's wonderful to wash my hair! I even went to work in the afternoon. Day 4 sees some of the bruise subsiding so people don't have to freak out if u accidentally show them off, but don't let anyone too close.
Day 7: The healing has been good. I wear the headbands at night when I'm home, and I intend to do so everyday. This is how paranoid I am, haha.
Week 4: I take photos of my ears almost everyday and found that the stickout returned but to a very small extent. The ear which i accidentally slept one stuck out slightly more. No one noticed except me. So the over correction became more natural. But this plastic surgery really isn't abt perfection (if your ears are really really ugly like mine), it's abt improvement. Now, I am so happy and high everyday, I kid you not.
So overall review summary:
1. Never let anyone talk u out of doing the surgery. No one with normal ears can understand.
2. Dr Fong is responsible and gentle, so I feel that I can recommend him. I definitely discount his skills because of the double surgery I had to undergo, but I also did part of the damage by sleeping on my ears. So.
3. Given the price and the hospital amenities that he had access to should anything go wrong, I am still glad I have made this choice.
I plucked up the courage to visit Dr Harry Fok at his clinic 2 years ago. I found a review on singaporebrides and emailed the reviewer. She highly recommended Dr Fok as the stitches were dissolvable and she felt very little pain throughout the process. During consultation, I find him a very calm doctor who is assuring and confident. He asked me to look into the mirror and simulated the effect by using a pointer and pushing my ears inwards. I went away knowing that the cost is 5000+gst, with medication to pay for.
Procrastination.. Procrastination..
This year, I visited Dr Fong when I read a review from his patient on Flowerpod. His charges were lower at about 3500, and he is an older doctor with more experience. I was further assured when we met at his clinic in a hospital. I'm old school.. Hospital = better than clinic. So I made an appointment for a surgery before I change my mind or procrastinate for another 10 yrs again.
End of Apr, I took 2 days leave with public holiday so I could rest for 5 days post surgery. Upon arriving on time, I was photographed for official documentation. 15 mins later, I was lying on the surgery bed. It was cold.. And I was shivering badly from fear and anxiety; my teeth was chattering. I wanted to jump out and leave, but bit my lip and harnessed the deepest resolve within me for the last 20 years. So Dr Fong came in (and I knew there was no turning back). There were 2 men with him in doctor's robes so I assumed they were interns coz they were asking questions but did not touch any surgical equipment.
A sterile blue sheet was placed over my head with a hole to expose my ear. The anaesthesia was injected over many spots with many jabs, and that already hurt quite a bit, so my nerves went all awry. The cutting and sewing quickly took place all over the back of the ears, and all the time my imagination ran very, very wild. The sound of cutting my skin and cartilage was all magnified since it's just right beside your ears. So I hummed a song and bit the blanket that kept me warm. Lots of saliva and much fabric fibre in my teeth later, I was informed that the surgery was over. A quick glance at the watch- just a mere 20 mins on the op table seemed like an eternity.
Happily, the surgeon handed me a mirror and I took a look, fully expecting a brand new pair of ears. To my utter disappointment that had no words to describe, only one ear was satisfactorily operated. The other just had lots of blood among many horrifying long stitches and had no improvement at all. I couldnt believe i went under the knife for 50% results. The helpful nurses helped me dress the wound, and hair got into the way all the time.
I was enraged and frustrated, yet very tired.. Exhausted actually. All the nerves took its toil on me. I literally took a huge sigh and Dr Fong said we would review in a week's time to see how it would heal. It was too glaringly obvious, but I let him say what he wanted to. No use arguing like a shrew in a plastic surgery clinic. And I never thought about not being able to wear specs, so I took the cab home in the blind. It was all very funny.
The first few hours was painful psychologically, as the results were so disappointing. The real physical pain was quite manageable, but it was still naggingly annoying. I could not do anything without losing my mind to the pain. Not even watching my favourite CSI. The stitches also started opening on the bad ear, so the blood dripped all over my shoulder. I could only dab it with tissue paper (painfully, no less!) and wash with the clear liquid provided. It was one word- torturous. I rem crying and laughing at the same time - how much more suay can anyone get? I thought I'd get sympathy points from Up Above because I lived with SUCH ugly ears for over 20 years, but nada.
Taking a shower is a pain in the neck because u can't wet ur hair and ears and the surrounding areas like face. So a snug shower cap and patience are critical. Wetting the dressing is a big deal because infections may set in, among other nasty things.
The second day was not much better than the first, but the third day was a significant milestone. The scabs fell off and I washed my hair (that was pretty awesome), although i had to be really patient and gentle when doing so cos Dr Fong cut and stitched the whole of my ears. But the wounds still hurt so that I jumped every time I apply the antibiotic cream. It is a huge problem to apply the cream on your own because quite literally, you can't see. So I let my nurse assistant sister help me and she was the most amazing angel ever alive. The good ear already looked good and normal, so I could pin up my hair to go outdoors and still apply the cream. But bedtime was always a nightmare because I am a side sleeper and no other way, so I didn't sleep for days except the occasional doze off on the couch in front of the tv.
It was uphill all the way from there, and even though there was just 1 good ear, the confidence boost was exhilarating. I have to endure many sleepless nights of asking myself why I never did this earlier.
So several weeks passed, and I realised I'm losing the results of my good ear too. I was all the more frustrated; like, I can't even have one good ear until my next surgery!??!! Then I realised I have been sleeping on my ears and took no precautions so that they folded. I was devastated. How come nobody told me this supremely important thing?!!??!
I made an appointment for a second surgery in early Sep, letting the wounds heal becos it was a long cut after all. Though I was on time, the appointments were full and there was a complicated case before mine, so I waited 1.5hrs to see Dr Fong, only to realise that the surgery would only be slated in many hours later. I didn't want to waste time and have a rush job, so I agreed to the nurse's plea to come back another day.
I returned the third time 2 weeks later, and specially woke up earlier to wash my hair since it would be an activity i would miss for the next 48 hrs. I waited 1hr again even though my appointment is at 9am. By now I've already gotten used to it. This time being on the operating table was as scary as before, and the anaesthesia somehow was alot more painful, I cringed very hard. It was very cold again, and I requested for an additional blanket. Dr Fong worked the tip of my ears as my stick-out is mostly on top (like an elf and not like Dumbo), and I felt more assured this time. Which also means that the last surgery, I endured more cuts for nothing. Oh well, that's life for me.
It all took an eternity of 15 minutes and I was all done. A look into the mirror - voila. All flat and nice. Dr Fong told me that it would bleed a little more than the last time becos he used more stitches to hold the ears in place, given that they stuck out after the last surgery. He also went the extra mile to use dissolvable stitches given that i have made 3 trips already, so that i dont have to return for stitch removal. But bleed it did. And one ear tip became squarish. Super funny. But whatever's better than my old stick-out ears.
Ice packs were applied as I had some bleeding, but I rem feeling sooooooooo relieved that the results were good. The nurses gently dressed the wounds and sent me home with a package of meds and dressing.
On the way home, the wounds bled slightly, but the pain was low. Then I got home and saw the bleeding in the mirror, and my knees went wobbly. I applied ice pack and managed to lighten the bleeding, careful not to wet the dressing. Then I used the antiseptic liquid from the get-home pack and cleaned up the wound. I also took the antibiotics and painkillers.
Distractions are critical to take the mind off the mild nagging pain and my wild imagination. So I watched lots of funny videos and YouTube. It helped tremendously.
Then sleeping was my biggest challenge becos I sleep on my side. But I was desperate not to mess this surgery up. So I stacked the pillows and slept elevated. I also wore a headband (elastic bandage from guardian) to prevent accidental folding of ears. Nonetheless, I woke up to find myself sleeping on my ears and luckily there was no tearing or bleeding.
The second night was the toughest for me becos my hair was incredibly greasy. So ignoring that, I put 2 pillows together with a gap between, and slept with the ears over the gap. This time it worked better.
Then it's uphill from day 3 cos it's wonderful to wash my hair! I even went to work in the afternoon. Day 4 sees some of the bruise subsiding so people don't have to freak out if u accidentally show them off, but don't let anyone too close.
Day 7: The healing has been good. I wear the headbands at night when I'm home, and I intend to do so everyday. This is how paranoid I am, haha.
Week 4: I take photos of my ears almost everyday and found that the stickout returned but to a very small extent. The ear which i accidentally slept one stuck out slightly more. No one noticed except me. So the over correction became more natural. But this plastic surgery really isn't abt perfection (if your ears are really really ugly like mine), it's abt improvement. Now, I am so happy and high everyday, I kid you not.
So overall review summary:
1. Never let anyone talk u out of doing the surgery. No one with normal ears can understand.
2. Dr Fong is responsible and gentle, so I feel that I can recommend him. I definitely discount his skills because of the double surgery I had to undergo, but I also did part of the damage by sleeping on my ears. So.
3. Given the price and the hospital amenities that he had access to should anything go wrong, I am still glad I have made this choice.
Omg Adele C, it must have been a very painful experience. At least the results are good now. Pls take care
Do you remember how many weeks/months between your first and second surgery? The second surgery was only 15mins for both ears? Did you have to pay for the second surgery (since the first one was not well done and you already paid 3500++ for it)?
Do you remember how many weeks/months between your first and second surgery? The second surgery was only 15mins for both ears? Did you have to pay for the second surgery (since the first one was not well done and you already paid 3500++ for it)?
midnightsun83
New Member
Hi all,
You can find by Dr Fong Poh Him at Tan Tock Seng hospital.
I can be reached at [email protected].
You can find by Dr Fong Poh Him at Tan Tock Seng hospital.
I can be reached at [email protected].
mickeymousetoo
New Member
Hi ladies,
I did otoplasty surgery with a doctor mentioned here but I will not recommend him. Its not good for me to mention name and I cannot say that he is not good. All I can advise is to approach an expertise for otoplasty surgery which is not commonly found in Singapore. I did many research after my failed result and finally found a doctor in Singapore who is specialising in otoplasty. I will be approaching him for my redo surgery after 8 mths when my current condition is well enough to go for the next surgery. His website shows his detailed knowledge about different kinds of bat ears/ protruding ears, maybe because he himself has protruding ears too so he can truly understand our position.
http://www.yctan.sg/surgical_ear_01.php
Good luck
Just trying to help and hope no one will suffer what I had gone through.
Cheers.
I did otoplasty surgery with a doctor mentioned here but I will not recommend him. Its not good for me to mention name and I cannot say that he is not good. All I can advise is to approach an expertise for otoplasty surgery which is not commonly found in Singapore. I did many research after my failed result and finally found a doctor in Singapore who is specialising in otoplasty. I will be approaching him for my redo surgery after 8 mths when my current condition is well enough to go for the next surgery. His website shows his detailed knowledge about different kinds of bat ears/ protruding ears, maybe because he himself has protruding ears too so he can truly understand our position.
http://www.yctan.sg/surgical_ear_01.php
Good luck
Cheers.
jasonleewkd
New Member
Hey all, this thread has been really helpful! I'm thinking of going for consultation and about 80% determined for the surgery. Just afraid that I won't be too pleased with the post-op look cos the doc needs to be really skillful in getting the symmetry right. Anyhows, I shortlisted WW, Harry Fok and YC Tan, might be going for consultation sometime soon.
