Are you or a loved one considering ear pinning surgery? Find out what to expect from the Otoplasty surgery process with this guide.
At least 5% of the population has protruding ears. This can lead to relentless teasing that ruins their self-esteem for years.
If you are part of this statistic, you may consider otoplasty or ear surgery. It comes in many forms, but the most popular is ear pinning. It keeps your ears from sticking out in a way that attracts negative attention.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about what happens before, during, and after an ear pinning procedure.
Reasons for Ear Pinning
Cosmetic ear surgery was one of the first aesthetic operations in the world, performed by New York Surgeon Edward T. Ely in 1881. A German surgeon named Jacques Joseph developed a technique, and it is like the one used today.
Prominent ears are a congenital problem that appears at birth. They exhibit themselves in two primary ways.
First of all the crease on the top edge of the ear is known as the antithetical fold. If this is missing, the top of the ear begins to stick out. Secondly there can be an overgrowth of the conchal cartilage (the structural base of the entire ear). This is referred to as conchal hypertrophy. It this occurs it pushes the entire ear out and away from the side of the head causing the ear to stick out.
Other possible aesthetic issues with the ears may require surgery. They may be too small, too large, or become misshapen as the result of an accident or birth defect.
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure meant to correct these problems, and the most common form is known as ear pinning. It keeps the ears close to the head to prevent them from protruding.
Who Is A Candidate?
Children must be at least 5-years old before they receive otoplasty surgery because their outer ears will be almost fully developed by then. Adults and teenagers may also want to have their ears pinned back.
Speaking to a surgeon is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Certain health conditions may preclude you, such as those that cause excessive bleeding.
How the Procedure Works
You will need to complete a consultation before your ear pinning procedure. The surgeon will ask you about your medical history, current medications, and past surgeries. They may also ask you why you have chosen to have the procedure to make sure that you have considered it carefully.
The surgeon must also perform a physical exam during the consultation. They will look at the shape, size, and placement of your ears. They may also take pictures of them to add to your medical record.
The preoperative visit is usually a week or two before your surgery. The surgeon will detail the procedure and the risks involved. This is the time to ask any questions you may still have.
Before the procedure begins, you will have to avoid anything that could increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and smoking. You will also have to find a friend or family member to drive you to the procedure and back home afterwards. They should stay with you while you recover for the first night.
An otoplasty procedure takes 1-3 hours. Children receive general anesthesia while adults receive local anesthesia.
There are two main methods of cosmetic surgery for the ears:
The Davis method addresses conchal bowl cartilage hypertrophy. It removes the excess cartilage, allowing your ears to lie properly against your head.
The Mustard procedure addresses a missing antithetical fold. It involves constructing a new fold by using stitches.
Otoplasty Recovery
The surgeon will apply heavy dressings over both of your ears immediately after the procedure. This is when the otoplasty recovery process begins, but it is shorter and less disruptive than many other forms of surgery.
You may experience mild swelling or pain in your ears. For most patients, the bruising and swelling last 6-8 weeks. After a few days, you can remove the initial dressing. This is when you will be able to use ice and take pain medications to reduce any uncomfortable sensations you’re experiencing.
You will still need to wear a headband when you sleep after removing the initial dressing. Try to avoid sleeping on your side, and avoid rubbing or placing force on your ears. You will also need to take a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infections.
Otoplasty is safe and will not affect your ability to hear, but possible complications include:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Seroma
- Hematoma
- Overcorrection/Undercorrection
- Asymmetry
- Broken stitches
Returning for your postoperative visits is the best way to prevent these issues. You will have one post-op visit a week after the procedure, another after 2-3 weeks, and 1 more a few months later. You may also have to come in to have your stitches removed depending on what type the surgeon used.
Expect to see results after your dressings are removed. Your ears should begin to look better almost immediately. Best of all, the results are permanent.
You’ll be able to resume your normal activities in 3-6 weeks, but be sure to ask your surgeon for an exact timeline. You will have small scars on the back of your ears, but these will not be visible.
Otoplasty Cost
You will have to pay for your entire otoplasty procedure yourself, and the price ranges from $5,000-$8,000. Anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, and the facility you have chosen all affect the final cost.
Factor these expenses into your budget before searching for a surgeon, and ask for an estimate before you choose one. This will help you make sure you can afford the procedure and let you know if they are trustworthy.
Where to Get Ear Pinning
Ears can protrude or be misshapen or improperly sized, causing physical dissatisfaction. Otoplasty or ear surgery is the best solution to these issues.
Ear pinning is the most common form. It involves either removing extra cartilage or replacing the antithetical fold (or both) that helps the ears maintain their shape.
The procedure is short and safe. You will notice immediate, permanent results as soon as you complete the recovery process.
Popp Cosmetic Surgery PC offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures for the face, breast, and body. Contact us at (402) 391-4558 today to see how we can give you back your confidence.
