EAR PINNING: |Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually performed to set prominent ears closer to the head to make them appear smaller. For the most part, this “ear pinning” operation is performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, making otoplasty a viable option even for youngsters. From a practical (and often emotional) standpoint, the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also common and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
There are several deformities of the ears that can lead to abnormalities, and each must be treated in a different manner. The goal of any otoplasty is to correct excess protrusion of the ears to place them in a more normal, less conspicuous position. It should be noted that both ears are never exactly alike, even in the normal state, and that perfect symmetry is therefore not a reasonable expectation.
The operation has no adverse effects upon the hearing.
The Surgical Procedure
The operation takes approximately 3 hours and is not painful. The procedure consists of an incision on the backside of the ear, with the removal of a small segment of skin. The cartilage is exposed and thinned or cut to cause the ear to rest in a normal position with a normal configuration. Stitches are used to hold the cartilage in place and to close the incision. A bulky dressing is applied completely around the head to protect both ears, minimize swelling, and limit discomfort.
The surgery can be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients usually go home from the hospital the same day as the surgery. The exact cost of the procedure depends mainly on the anesthetic used. The package price for surgery includes the surgeon’s fee, the operating room costs, the anesthesiologist’s fee and any hospital fees.
In the provision of proper care to his patients, photographs are as important to the plastic surgeon as X-rays are to physicians in other medical specialties. Therefore, photos are taken before and after ear pinning surgery. These photographs can be used to track progress and results, and become a part of the patient’s confidential medical record.
What to Expect After ear pinning Surgery
Post-operative discomfort is minimal. Whatever discomfort there may be is short-lived and easily handled with standard pain medication. Dressings stay in place for one to two weeks, with your doctor changing them periodically. A bandana or bandage is worn over the head and ears at night for an additional two weeks to avoid injuring the ears while sleeping. Physical activities should be limited for two weeks to avoid increased swelling and discomfort.
When the bandages are removed, the ears will appear swollen and bluish in color. This is normal and will be evident for approximately four weeks. Slight swelling will be noticeable for a few weeks. The bulky bandage does impair hearing.
Resuming Physical Activities
Driving may be resumed when the dressing is no longer needed, usually 3 days.
Non-contact sports (swimming, dancing, jogging): 2 weeks
Contact sports: 6 weeks
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