Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping or Ear Pinning)

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is reshaping surgery that corrects structural ear abnormalities. It can give your ear a more standard appearance and improve your self-confidence, but it will not change or improve your hearing. Your doctor may recommend otoplasty if you:

  • Were injured in a car accident
  • Were bitten by a dog
  • Experienced a sports-related injury
  • Need to repair cauliflower ear

Changing the size or shape of your ears is also why some people get otoplasty surgery. The corrective procedure can bring protruding ears closer to the sides of your head. A surgeon is likely to perform the surgery on children over the age of four, but some adults elect for it.

Speaking with your doctor is the best way to determine which type of otoplasty is the right one for you. Your options may include:

  • Ear Augmentation: A surgeon will use tissue grafting to increase the outer portion of small ears or ears that have not fully developed.
  • Ear Pinning: The procedure brings protruding ears closer to the sides of your head.
  • Ear Reduction: It removes tissue to make larger ears smaller in size.

If you are unsure about your next steps, your healthcare provider should be able to refer you to a qualified, otoplasty surgeon.

Why do people get otoplasty surgery?

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Whether you are unhappy with the results of a previous ear surgery or you want your ears to look more balanced, otoplasty might be the right option for you. Otoplasty will not change the location of your ears, but it can provide you with a more symmetrical appearance.

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

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The most notable benefits of otoplasty include:

  • Changed appearance
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Permanent results

Your doctor will be able to give you a realistic expectation of what otoplasty can do for you. Your surgeon can also make sure that any surgical procedure is safe and done for a healthy reason.

What are the risks of otoplasty?

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Although complications are rare, every surgery has associated risks. For otoplasty, they are:

  • Bleeding around the ear cartilage (auricular hematoma)
  • Asymmetrical results
  • Infected ear cartilage (perichondritis)
  • Temporary numbness
  • Scarring
  • Overcorrection (ears look “pinned back”)

Speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of complications.

How should you prepare for otoplasty surgery?

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Before having otoplasty surgery, you should receive a detailed list of pre-operative instructions from your healthcare provider. Instructions may differ, but your doctor will likely tell you to:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the risk of bleeding
  • Ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment

There are also certain steps that your doctor may want to take during your first visit to discuss otoplasty. Your plastic surgeon will likely:

  • Review your medical history
  • Do a physical exam
  • Speak about your goals
  • Discuss the surgery’s risks

Prepare to answer any questions about your current or past medical conditions, including ear infections. A doctor will likely also want to know your current medications and if you have had any prior surgical procedures. Physical exams and discussing the risks can better ensure that you undergo the correct procedure under the safest conditions.

What can you expect from otoplasty surgery?

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Anesthesia will keep you comfortable during otoplasty surgery. Your anesthesiologist will most likely administer general anesthesia, where you are completely asleep. Sometimes they’ll give you local anesthesia, where you can still respond to questions.

 

The general surgical steps will include:

1. Making an incision/cut (on the back of the ear or in the folds)

2. Adding or removing tissue from the ear

3. Reshaping the ear

4. Using stitches to close the incision

The procedure will take between one and three hours, based on the type of otoplasty surgery. The procedure is often outpatient, which means you will return home on the same day. Before you leave, the surgeon will place a dressing over your ears. You will need to:

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry (follow care instructions)
  • Avoid touching your ears
  • Wear button-up shirts (shirts that you do not need to pull over your head)
  • Sleep on your back (to avoid any pressure on your ears)

What is the recovery time for otoplasty?

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How you handle your recovery time matters. Your surgical team may recommend specific pain medication for any discomfort and itching. If you take medication and your discomfort does not improve or gets worse, contact a member of your surgical team.

The typical post-surgery timeline for otoplasty surgery is:

  • First week: Recovery period
  • About 1 week after surgery: Bandage removal
  • Next few weeks: 1-2 follow-up visits to monitor your recovery
  • After 2-3 weeks: Noticeable visual improvements
  • After 8 weeks: How long otoplasty recovery may take

Your ears will likely be swollen when your team removes the bandages. Your doctor may advise you to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for a few weeks. Some stitches will dissolve on their own, but others will be removed in the surgeon’s office a few weeks later. Make sure to check when you can resume standard activities like bathing and physical activity.

What is the outlook for otoplasty?

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The results of otoplasty surgery are generally long lasting. Once the bandages are removed, you will be able to see how the surgery has changed your ears. As you heal, you can speak further with your surgeon about the results.

If you are unhappy with the outcome, you might ask about second surgery options. That type of surgery is known as a revision surgery.

When should you call a doctor about otoplasty concerns?

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During your otoplasty recovery, call your healthcare provider immediately if you have:

  • A sudden fever
  • Excessive bleeding
  • An injury near your surgical site
  • Intense swelling
  • Worsening pain that prescribed medication does not ease

If you are in need of immediate medical attention, you should call 911 or go to the hospital.

 

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Ready to feel more confident in your own skin? Call the Premier Medical Group Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Division at 845-471-0800 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Celestino Sepulveda today.

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