Otoplasty,
commonly referred to as ear pinning, is a surgical procedure that
corrects the size or placement of an individual's ears. Otoplasty is
generally performed on children after the age of 5 as well as adults,
as the ears are nearly their full adult size by 4 to 6 years of
age. Otoplasty makes the ears more proportional to the size and
shape of the head and face Even when only one ear appears to protrude;
surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Procedural
steps: Ear surgery usually takes a few hours, although
complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on
the problem. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes
a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He
or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head.
Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.
Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to
provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Another technique involves a similar incision on the front of the ear.
Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on
itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
Your
results: Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain until you are
seen in follow up. Most patients experience some mild discomfort.
For postoperative pain management options, click here.
If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may
be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on
the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in
the desired position for six weeks after the surgery.
Before and After Photos
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