Bloggeron

You may be a candidate for ear pinning (otoplasty) if you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head. You may also want to have an otoplasty procedure if your ears have an unusual or undesirable shape. The goal is to create ears that have normal folds and shape with a normal level protrusion from the side of the head.

Ear surgery or otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, so the operation is done on children between ages of four and fourteen. Ear surgery is also possible in adults with fewer risks. You have to be clear about what and how you want your ear to be when you talk to the doctor.

Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The ears are usually bandaged with a head band type dressing for several days after surgery. Initial mild postoperative discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The procedure is appropriate beginning at age 5 or 6 or at any time thereafter.

The ears usually look “normal” within 10-20 days. Usually, a head band is worn for 2-3 weeks to protect the ears. Contact sports should be avoided for about a month.

Ear pinning is considered to be cosmetic and so is usually not covered by insurance. The specific risks and the suitability of otoplasty for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Some of the risks involved include when a qualified and experienced surgeon performs the ear surgery, the complications and risks involved are usually minor, patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It can dissolve naturally or drawn out with a needle, patient may develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause sear tissue to form.

The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s condition and recommend the most effective technique specific instructions will be given on how to prepare for the surgery. If the child is young, the surgery is performed on general anesthesia, so the child will sleep through the operation.

For older children or adults, the surgery may be performed by using local anesthesia combined with a sedative. The child will be awake and relaxed.

During your visit you will be asked about your concerns, questions, and the procedure. If your child is having the procedure, its important to discuss with them the concerns and surgery to help put them at ease. Your plastic surgeon should work with you and help you or your child understand and feel at ease with any decision you choose to make.