Ear Pinning or Ear Reconstruction

    Otoplasty is an operation performed to 'pin back' protuberant or bat ears. It may be performed in childhood, frequently just prior to starting school, or in adults.
    Prominent ears may be due to either an insufficient antihelical fold (see picture), an excessively deep concha or both. Depending on the particular problem either an antihelical fold will be created or the concha will be set back and made more shallow. Frequently both conchal setback and antihelical fold creation are done concurrently.
    We feel that it is very important to let the child voice his or her opinion whether or not their ear size is troubling them. Classically, the surgery has been done when the child is between ages 6 to 7 years old. However, more recently, this timetable has been moved up to age 4, to avoid issues with peers as the child enters school age.
    In recent years, we have seen a large number of adults who have elected to have surgery. The goal is to achieve a more balanced and natural look. However, complete and perfect symmetry is not possible as there are inherent differences within ear tissues. Most patients are very pleased with the results and the improved appearance.

    Pre-Operative Care

    Avoid smoking prior to surgery in order to prevent unnecessary complications.
    Also avoid Vitamin E in large doses, Arnica tablets, analgesics like     Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should also not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding during the process.
    The surgeon however will give you personal advice in this department.

    The Operation

    Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.
    In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.

    Post-Operative Care

    Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Bandages are removed within a few days but may be replaced with a lighter head dressing. Wearing a tennis headband for a period of time to hold back the ears may also be recommended. Bruising around the area occurs but fades within a few weeks. Some temporary swelling occurs but this condition can be alleviated by keeping the head elevated when reclining. You may be advised to sleep on a soft pillow but not directly on the ears. Six to eight days after surgery, you may be allowed to shampoo your hair. Scars from the incisions fade significantly in time and are, for the most part, inconspicuous because the incisions are made within the creases of the ears.