Ear Pinning Surgery

Otoplasty/Ear Surgery, also known as Ear Pinning, Ear Pinback, or Ear Reduction Surgery, is the cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that permanently corrects protruding ears. Otoplasty does so by positioning the ears closer to the head (Ear Pinning), reshaping them, reducing their size, and making them more symmetrical. Protruding Ear Deformity is the most prevalent congenital malformation of the head and neck area.

Ear Surgery ranks as the most commonly performed plastic surgery Procedure on children between ages five and fourteen. In fact, Ear Pinning is one cosmetic surgery where “earlier is better” because of the effect on a child’s self-esteem, who is teased for having protruding ears; being called names such as “Dumbo,” “Mickey Mouse” and “Rabbit Ears”. The optimal time for performing otoplasty in children is just before they start school, or at about the age of seven. At this age the ears have grown to nearly their adult size and the child is old enough to be able to undergo surgery safely. It also gives children a chance to correct their facial deformity before starting to socialize with peers in school.

Ear Surgery/Otoplasty has also been a blessing for thousands of adults who have spent their lives feeling self-conscious about their “big ears”. They have hidden their ears with hairstyles, hats, and avoided wearing ear jewellery. With Otoplasty they have gained the freedom to wear their hair short or pulled back, wear earrings, and no longer feel embarrassed about their look. While Otoplasty aims to normalize the appearance of the ears it can never produce perfect and fully symmetrical ears. Therefore, parents who are considering Ear Pinning for their children, and adults who are considering the procedure, should have realistic expectations. After all, no two ears are ever identical or perfectly symmetrical.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

Otoplasty, the reshaping and repositioning of the external ear, is done on an outpatient basis. Performed skilfully, Otoplasty makes the ears more proportional to the size and shape of the head, as well as pinning it back closer to the head. The procedure generally takes about two hours, or one hour per ear, depending upon the degree of correction that his needed.

The projection and the size of the ear lobes can also be adjusted by removing excess skin and/or prominent cartilage.

After reshaping and repositioning the ear cartilages, the excess skin folds behind the ears are removed and the wound closed with sutures.

Before Surgery

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain the surgical technique he feels will be best for you or your child. Your initial consultation is also the time for you to discuss the results you are looking for. Mr Uppal will explain the surgery and the risks which include bruising, swelling , asymmetry and a hidden scar behind the ear deep in the groove.

After Surgery

You should expect some discomfort during the first one or two days after your surgery although Paracetamol will be enough to control any pain or discomfort. A head bandage is worn for 5-7 days so a week off school is required. One can resume sports and swimming 2 weeks after surgery. The surgery takes about 45 minutes and patients go home a few hours after the surgery. All the stitches are dissolving so no need to have stitches removed.