Commonly Asked Questions About Ear Pinning Surgery Procedure

Excessive head protrusion from the ears can be corrected with otoplasty or ear pinning surgery. It can also help to balance the proportions of the face. Before this procedure, you must discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon. You must also provide your medical history and disclose any medications or herbal supplements you take.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of prominent ears by pinning them closer to the head. It is a joint surgery for children, but it can also be performed on adults. The Bellevue plastic surgeon makes a hidden incision behind the ear and sculpts the cartilage, either folding or removing it, to shape it into a more desirable form. The surgeon then closes the incision with permanent sutures. A soft dressing that looks like a football helmet is placed on the head to protect the ear while it heals.

In addition to reviewing your medical history, your doctor will assess your ears’ position, size, and form to determine the best course of action for an otoplasty beforehand. The doctor may take pictures for your records. He will also ask you about your expectations and what results you hope to achieve. Talking to your doctor about any worries you have will be encouraged. They will advise you on how to prepare for your procedure, including avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding.

How Does Otoplasty Work?

The goal of otoplasty is to reduce the appearance of protruding ears by reshaping and altering the shape, location, and size of ear cartilage. This surgery is usually performed on children after age four, although some adults also choose to have the procedure. A numbing shot is administered to the ear, and surgery begins after the area is completely numb. The ear is shaped with surgical sutures that remain in place until they dissolve. Patients can expect to return home shortly afterward, and they must follow personalized aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and ensure that the pleasing results of otoplasty last for years to come.

Before the procedure begins, we will take pictures for medical records and discuss your goals and expectations. They will ask about your health history and any medications you are taking, including aspirin and other drugs that can increase bleeding. It is also essential to inform your doctor of past or present ear injuries.

What Are the Risks of Otoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty has certain risks you should know. These include visible scarring behind the ears, asymmetry during healing, allergic reactions to anesthesia, changes in skin sensation, and the possibility that the ear may appear too pinned back. For the most part, otoplasty is safe and has a high success rate. However, pre-surgical instructions are essential to ensure your surgery and recovery go smoothly. It includes:

• Not eating or drinking anything besides water for a few days before the surgery.
• Stopping smoking.
• Verify that you have a ride home after the procedure.

For patients with protruding ears, otoplasty can help reduce their insecurity and give them a new sense of self-confidence. Usually done on children after age four but also available to adults, the surgery can help to create a more balanced appearance to your face by altering the shape of cartilage that sticks out far from the head.

What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

Ears that protrude too far from the head are a common problem that can be corrected with cosmetic surgery. It’s a safe procedure to improve self-image and reduce teasing or bullying. It’s also permanent, although ear injuries occasionally affect or reverse results.

The surgeon makes a discreet cut behind the ear and then works on the cartilage to shape it so that the ears lie flatter against the head. They may trim, bend, or add cartilage to achieve the desired results. All incisions are hidden, and internal stitches secure the new shape. After the procedure, your surgeon will take out the sutures and give you a soft headband to help you heal and keep your new ear position. Your doctor will provide personalized recovery instructions based on your age and the activities you plan to resume. Generally, non-contact sports can be resumed about five days after otoplasty and contact sports about two weeks later.