Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic surgery performed by facial plastic surgeons or general plastic surgeons. While patients who are no longer children can have ear surgery, for young children the ear cartilage must be at least 75% grown and developed, which normally happens around age four.
During this procedure, one or both ears are surgically repaired to restore balance to your facial appearance. This is done through recontouring or rearranging the ear shape to match the proportions of your surrounding facial features for a better sense of aesthetic harmony. Depending on the extent of the ear concerns, several operations, such as ear pinning or cartilage reconstruction, may be used to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Who Can Get Ear Pinning Surgery?
Children as young as four may have concerns with their ears sticking out abnormally, an issue that could lead to teasing and bullying. Otoplasty, also called "ear pinning surgery," can be done to return the ear to its normal appearance once the ears are fully developed. This typically occurs between the ages of four and five. However, adults who have protruding ears may also undergo otoplasty.
What is the Cost of Ear Pinning?
Ear pinning may cost between $2500 and $8600 or more. If a cut is required, the procedure should be carried out in an operating room, though it is possible to complete the process without doing so. It must be done in a clean environment, regardless of the method. Most people, including older children, don't need general anesthesia for this treatment.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ear Pinning?
Ear pinning can help achieve facial symmetry by altering the position of the ears so that they are more proportional to the rest of the features and attributes. The positive change in appearance after ear pinning might lead to higher self-esteem and more confidence. Otoplasty patients who are most likely to undergo the surgery at a younger age may encounter less mockery and social trauma due to bullying.
You and your cosmetic surgeon can discuss the possible side effects of otoplasty; they are similar to those of any treatment. Potential risks of ear surgery include the formation of scar tissue, infections, and blood clots in the ears.
Ear Pinning Surgery
Otoplasty generally takes two to three hours. A local anesthetic is usually utilized during the procedure for adults. However, it is commonly performed under general anesthesia for children.
Your surgeon will make incisions behind your ears, then use these incisions to reshape, bend, or remove the cartilage in your ears. They will also be rolled toward your head. As the wounds are stitched up, the new form of your ears will be preserved.
Ear Pinning Recovery and Aftercare
A tight compression bandage is typically worn for 24 hours. Once it's removed, you can take a shower. Your ears may bleed a little during the first week and appear a somewhat puffy. After 24 hours, you will need to change the compression headband. You will wear a compression garment for about a week. Most patients need to take painkillers for two to three days. If your plastic surgeon uses the incisionless method, your recovery will be considerably simpler.
You can start working out again when your sutures come out. You should experience an immediate improvement after the treatment, but the full end result won't appear until the swelling has gone down.
Final Thoughts
Otoplasty is a highly effective and relatively risk-free procedure that can be performed on patients as young as six years old. The main goal is to reduce large or prominent ears, which can make one feel insecure.
Select a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon before having an otoplasty performed on you or your child. Your surgeon should be happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure or your recovery during a consultation. Choose a qualified surgeon you feel comfortable with, who can address any concerns or doubts effectively.
If you’re a parent thinking of otoplasty for your child, choose a surgeon who can explain the process simply and with a great deal of calm, friendly assurance.
