What You Need to Know about Ear Pinning
No one likes being teased about the way they look. Unfortunately for many who have prominent ears, teasing and ridicule start early in childhood. This can lead to low self-esteem and being self-conscious about everyday things such as wearing a ponytail or a baseball cap. Fortunately, this condition can be easily corrected with a quick and simple procedure.
Otoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures for men, women, and children. Commonly referred to as ear pinning, this procedure is often performed on young patients between the ages of 4 and 14. However, it’s becoming more frequently performed on adults who are not happy with the prominence of their ears. In fact, many celebrities have undergone the procedure early in their careers including Brad Pitt, Victoria Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, and Heidi Montag.
The otoplasty procedure itself varies from patient to patient, but typically involves making an incision along the fold behind the ear, removing a small amount of cartilage and skin, and then pinning the ear with permanent sutures. Otoplasty can involve both repositioning and reducing the size of the ear.
The procedure is typically performed using only light sedation, except for very young children that might require general anesthesia. The surgery almost always takes less than two hours with patients able to return home immediately afterwards. Scarring is minimal since the incision is small and hidden in the crease where the ear meets the head.
Recovery from otoplasty involves wearing a dressing to apply pressure to the ears for up to five days. The dressing helps ensure the positive outcome of the procedure. Most patients require no more than a light pain reliever to manage any post-procedure pain.
Otoplasty is considered to be one of the most effective forms of cosmetic surgery. Patients who have had the procedure report high rates of satisfaction. Are you interested in learning more about otoplasty for you or your child? Contact Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.
