Ear pinning Surgery or Otoplasty surgery, commonly referred to as “pinning the ears back,” is most often done on children between the ages of 5 and 14. It isn’t uncommon, though, for adults to undergo Otoplasty surgery as well.
Areas of improvement
Ears
Results will Last
This is a permanent change
Recovery Time
2-7 days
Recovery Process
Some swelling and bruising is expected for 1 week. Wearing a headband while at home for 2 weeks will improve the likelihood of success.
The technique used depends on the severity of the problem. Commonly, Dr. Nogan makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He then sculpts the cartilage and uses permanent sutures to create and maintain a natural-looking shape. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. Ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.
During your initial meeting, Dr. Stephen Nogan will evaluate the condition and recommend the most effective technique. Dr. Nogan will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.
Why have an otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty or Ear Pinning Surgery is a procedure done to reposition prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of extraordinarily large ears. Children with protruding ears may experience teasing and ridicule from other children as well as from adults. In order to avoid psychological repercussions, parents often opt to have the procedure performed before the child enters first or second grade.
Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child’s feelings about protruding ears; don’t insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.
It is a myth that our ears grow throughout our lifetime; usually, they are almost fully developed by the age of 6 to 7 and are certainly completely formed by young adulthood. Many of the adults who have otoplasty, therefore, wish they’d had the procedure much earlier in life.
Ear Pinning Surgery Procedure
The location of the surgery depends on the age and maturity of the individual patient. Ear surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure either here at The Sullivan Centre or at an outside location. For children under 11, Dr. Nogan may recommend general anesthesia so the child will sleep through the operation, which requires anesthesiologists and a facility that specializes in children. For older children or adults who can tolerate local anesthesia, Dr. Nogan may prefer to perform the procedure at The Sullivan Centre. During your consultation, Dr. Nogan will discuss your otoplasty surgery options with you.
Otoplasty Post-Op Results
A light head dressing is put in place immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. Your ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by Tylenol or a mild pain medication. The head dressing is removed one to two days after the procedure, at which point you can wash your hair as normal.
You will have to wear an elastic headband for the next 10-14 days to remind the ears to heal in the proper location. The skin sutures dissolve on their own and are usually gone by second week.
You should avoid any activity in which you might have contact with your ears for 6 weeks. Most adults can go back to work about two days after surgery. Children usually go back to school after three to four days, as long as they are careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.
Patients are normally thrilled with the results of ear surgery. Keep in mind, however, that the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don’t expect both ears to match perfectly. Perfect symmetry in ears is both unlikely and unnatural. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are you’ll be quite pleased with the results.
How much is an Otoplasty in Columbus, Ohio?
The total fees for an otoplasty will vary based on the type of anesthesia needed. In most cases, the total fee range is between $3000 and $5900. An exact quote will be given upon consultation.
