Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
Improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear, creating a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits in appearance and self-esteem.
What Otoplasty Can Address
Deformities of the external ear can be either congenital or acquired. Treatment is tailored to the specific deformity.
Prominent Ears
The most common congenital deformity, usually from a lack of a formed antihelical fold or an enlarged conchal bowl. Correction re-establishes the fold and rotates or reduces the bowl.
Constricted Ear
Also called cup or lop ear: the helix appears tight or folded. Repair is tailored to the actual deformity and may involve grafting skin and/or cartilage.
Cryptotia
The upper pole of the ear is buried beneath the scalp.
Microtia
The most dramatic congenital ear deformity, ranging from complete absence to a small but complete ear. Reconstruction is multistage and generally begins before the child enters school.
Acquired Deformities
May result from accidental trauma or an underlying condition such as skin cancer. Treatment can involve rearranging existing tissue, replacing lost tissue, or complete reconstruction.
Hidden Incisions, Lasting Shape
The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear, exposing the ear cartilage, then sculpts the cartilage to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape before stitching the incisions closed. In some cases a section of cartilage is removed to achieve the desired results.
With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear.
From Timing to Recovery
Timing the Surgery
Timing is ultimately up to the patient and family. Surgery is typically delayed until the majority of ear growth has occurred, most commonly before grade school around the ages of four to five. Adults can also greatly benefit.
Surgery Day
Usually performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep for the duration. The entire surgery usually takes less than two hours and is done on an outpatient basis.
Right After
Dressings support the new shape of the ear during the initial phases of healing. In cases of protruding ears, results are visible nearly immediately once the dressings are removed.
One to Two Weeks
Typically, recovery from an otoplasty surgery takes one to two weeks, then you can go back to normal activities.
“I love my new ears!”
Alicia · Otoplasty Patient
Alicia was brought to our office by her parents for evaluation of her ears after she had begun to feel self-conscious. She was diagnosed with a severe prominent ear deformity, and an otoplasty was performed as an outpatient surgery. She is thrilled with the results.