OTOPLASTY (EAR
PINNING)
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure done for patients
who have protruding, or asymmetric ears. Although the
surgery is usually performed on children, adults at
any age are eligible. Our clinic deals exclusively with
otoplasty for adult patients. This procedure involves
pulling the ears back towards the side of your head
to create a more desirable aesthetic appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for ear pinning are those who are
18 years of age or older who are in good health and
have realistic expectations. They must understand that
the goal is to improve their overall appearance. Your
age, skin type, ethnicity, degree of skin elasticity,
individual healing, and cartilage structure are important
factors. Patients will be advised to avoid smoking,
taking aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medications
in the post-operative period.
Before the Surgery
During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover
all areas of concern, including the procedure, anesthesia,
pre and post-operative care, risks, and answer any other
questions you may have. After assessing your face, he
will tell you where he will make the incisions.
After your initial consultation, the doctor will do
a complete physical examination and do some blood work
at a second consultation. Photographs will also be taken,
which will allow you to better see the physical changes
once the operation is complete. The doctor will again
review with you all the important issues regarding the
surgery including pre and post-operative care, expectations
and fees. He will also tell you what medications to
avoid, such as aspirin, as it increases bleeding. If
you are a smoker, you will be asked to avoid smoking
two weeks before and after the procedure as it can seriously
affect the healing process.
The Surgery
The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery
center under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure
and wakes up in the recovery room without the ill effects
of general anesthetic.
Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear,
in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. The
surgeon then removes the amounts of tissue and skin
required to achieve the most natural appearance. The
surgeon then pins the cartilage back using stitches;
the cartilage is folded back on itself to reshape the
ear without removing any cartilage. A scar along the
back of the ear crease will be minimally noticeable.
A bulky head dressing will be in place for one to two
days and will be replaced by a headband which will be
worn for two weeks. Non-absorbable stitches will be
removed in ten days. The surgery lasts two to three
hours.
After the Surgery
The procedure is performed as a day surgery. After approximately
one to two hours in the recovery room, patients are
ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. Soft dressings
are applied to the ears for a few days. Most patients
experience only mild discomfort. Patients must sleep
on their backs at least two weeks post-operatively.
Most patients return to work after five days.
The risks associated with otoplasty surgery are uncommon
and include the following: reactions to anesthetia,
infection, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection), minor
scarring, inadequate correction, asymmetry, numbness,
pain, and wound healing problems. These will all be
thoroughly discussed during the consultation.
The Results
Otoplasty allows the adult with protruding ears to enhance
their facial appearance and improve their self-esteem.
Please contact the clinic to arrange your free consultation
with a physician.
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