Ear Pinning
(Otoplasty)
OVERVIEW
Ear pinning or otoplasty is a form of ear surgery
performed to set disproportionately large or
prominent ears closer to the head. Too much
cartilage in the concha, the bowl-shaped portion of
the ear and lack of development of the natural folds
of the ear (antihelix) are the usual causes of
large, protruding ears. Protruding ears cause more
image problems than any real medical problems. It is
commonly sought for children who often suffer from
the unwanted attention protruding ears can cause.
Children are excellent candidates because their ear
tissue is very flexible. Although the procedure is
more common among children, almost anyone can
achieve successful results with ear pinning. |
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE
DONE?
While the patient is under general anesthesia (young
children) or local anesthesia and sedative (adults
and older children), Dr. Anagnos makes an incision
in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the
head, just behind the ear. If necessary, Dr. Anagnos
will remove excess cartilage and skin. If no removal
is required, Dr. Anagnos will trim the cartilage to
shape it to a more proportionate form, then pin the
cartilage back with permanent sutures. |
HOW LONG DOES EAR
PINNING TAKE?
Ear pinning usually
requires two hours of surgery. |
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER
EAR PINNING?
After surgery, most
patients experience aching or throbbing of the ears
for a few days, as well as a small scar that fades
with time. |
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY
PERIOD LIKE?
After ear pinning,
patients are usually mobile within a few hours of
surgery. The head will be wrapped in bandages
immediately following surgery, but within a few days
these will be replaced with a lighter, headband-like
dressing. Patients should avoid sleeping on their
sides for a week or more so as to avoid putting
pressure on the ears. |
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN
RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY?
Most children can return
to school in about seven days, but they must be
careful while playing. Adults can return to work
approximately five days after surgery. |
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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 828-268-0082,
email us, or use our
online
request form. |
