Posted by Dr. Hardesty

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All of us have features that make us feel a bit self-conscious. However, when that feature is as noticeable as your ears, it can really affect your self-esteem. Children and adults can be so cruel with comments and references like “big ears” and “Dumbo ears.” In addition, the limiting of hair styles: For men, unable/not wanting short haircuts and for women, not being able to wear their hair up. So, if you’re uncomfortable with the shape, positioning, or protrusion of your ears, the solution is much less complicated than you might think.

WHAT IS OTOPLASTY OR EAR PINNING SURGERY?

Otoplasty, also and commonly referred to as “ear pinning” or “prominent ear surgery,” is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed to correct ears that protrude, stick out too far, or are shaped or positioned abnormally. The procedure can have a significant impact on overall facial appearance and involves very little risk. In fact, it can be performed on children as young as 5 years of age.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN OTOPLASTY?

Otoplasty is a rewarding surgery that requires exacting attention to detail. It’s impossible to recreate the exact same duplicate ears since everyone’s ears, if looked at carefully, are asymmetrical. However, when the procedure is finished and recovery is complete, the ears will no longer be a focal point of your facial features.

WATCH PROCEDURE

Video

HOW IS PAIN MANAGED DURING SURGERY?

Adults may be able to have the procedure with just local anesthesia by only numbing the specific ear area without any type of sedation. Thus, you may be able to drive yourself home afterwards.

However, since this method leaves you awake for the procedure, many patients feel anxious, so minor sedative medication is available and given as needed. To be completely pain-free during the pinning of the ears, conciliatory sedation or general anesthesia is also an option. Children usually need a general anesthetic during the procedure.

HOW IS EAR PINNING PERFORMED?

The procedure itself involves making a hidden incision in the crease behind your ear, thus the incision can only be found if you pull the ear outward.

Prior to injecting local anesthesia, measurements are made from one ear to the other ear. During the plastic surgery in Riverside, CA, multiple comparative measurements are taken throughout the procedure. Based on these measurements, intraoperative decisions will be made such as where to place sutures to allow folding, and how to set cartilage into a more desired location. Every case is different and based on your unique ear anatomy, the next steps might include:

1. If there is too much protrusion of the bowl of your ear, resulting in the entire ear protruding from the scalp, sutures will be placed to relocate the bowl to a normal location.
2. Under folding of the folds at the top of your ear are reconstructed by placing a series of precise sutures to create the ideal fold.
3. Often a combination of both techniques is required to achieve the desired results.

The skin incision is then closed with absorbable sutures that do not require removal, as they will dissolve over a short time after the incisions are healed. Typically, a full head dressing is applied for 24-48 hours.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FROM AN OTOPLASTY?

The primary goal during your recovery period is to support your ears so the cartilage can strengthen. You will have a mild pressure-type dressing over your ears for 24 to 48 hours. After removing your dressing, only cleansing of the incision and placing topical antibiotic ointment is required. You can even gently shampoo your hair. Most people are back to work several days after surgery.

It is recommended to wear a head “sweat band” or beanie at night to prevent accidental unfolding and recurrence of the prominent ears at night for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

The swelling, bruising, and natural folds should resolve over the next several weeks. While you can return to work within a few days, it is strongly recommended that you avoid strenuous activity for at a minimum of two weeks. To prevent recurrence and to ensure that the cartilage and skin heal completely, you should not participate in contact sports for three months.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?

Once completely healed (usually after 6 weeks), the results are permanent, and recurrence is rare.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY?

Unfortunately, there are no other ways to permanently reconstruct the prominent ears. Some have tried using double stick tape for a temporary improvement.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS/FEES?

The price of ear surgery is based on the anesthesia used (local vs sedation or general anesthesia), and the facility (minor surgical suite, outpatient operating room or hospital setting). All pre and post-operative care is included. Some preoperative laboratory analysis may be required (usually covered by your medical insurance). For more information about plastic surgery costs, visit our blog page.

SUMMARY

“Dumbo Ears” or “big ears” can be a thing of the past. Modern otoplasty (ear pinning) techniques are safe and safe. Patient satisfaction is some of the highest of all our Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures.

The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced, and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in ear pinning or otoplasty techniques. The Imagine Plastic Surgery team uniquely provides the full array of both non-surgical and surgical eyelid alternatives thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options.” For more information, call and schedule a consultation.