Otoplasty

Ear pinning, called otoplasty, can be performed to address a variety of ear problems, such as reshaping the ears, reducing the size of the ears or bringing the ears closer to the head. Small ears, overly large ears, ears missing their natural folds or very long earlobes can also be addressed in an otoplasty procedure.

Procedure at a Glance

Procedure Time

2-3 hours

Treatments

Results

Corrected ear position and shape, full results in 3-6 months

Recovery Time

1-2 weeks

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Good Candidates for Ear Pinning Surgery

Otoplasty can be performed on any healthy adult. We recommend that children with protruding ears have corrective otoplasty only after the age of 4, by which age the child’s ears are fully formed. We suggest that parents not rush into an ear pinning procedure, as their children may not be emotionally ready for such a procedure. However, if your child is experiencing ridicule or embarrassment about their ears, please do come in to see us about an otoplasty procedure, which can make your child’s school years much more pleasant.

How It's Performed Your Recovery Your Consultation

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How It's Performed Your Recovery Your Consultation

How Ear Pinning Is Performed

Otoplasty or ear pinning is a minor procedure used to correct prominent ears. It can be performed under either local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthesia in our Boca Raton accredited in-office surgery suite on an outpatient basis. If performed during another facial cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, it will be done under general anesthesia. We recommend general anesthesia for children, as this is the most comfortable method for younger patients. During the procedure, an incision is placed just behind the ears and the cartilage reshaped to correct the imperfection. Additional cartilage may be removed, if necessary, to create the best result. Sutures are placed to hold the ears in their new position during the recovery period and a dressing is applied. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the level of correction needed.

Otoplasty Before & After

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What to Expect During Ear Pinning Recovery

For an otoplasty procedure, recovery time is one to two weeks and slightly longer if additional procedures were done. Patients wear a headband day and night for 1 week after the procedure to help mold the ears. You will experience some swelling and bruising which can be relieved with pain medication and ice packs. Most patients are back to full activity within a few days. We strongly recommend that children avoid contact sports following an otoplasty until the ears are completely healed, which may require up to 6 months for the full healing to take place. When you leave our office after the procedure, your follow-up appointment will be set and you’ll visit us within a few days to check on your progress and to change the dressings.

Schedule Your Consultation at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery

We would love to talk more with you about your own personalized treatment at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery. With your own private consultation, our team of extraordinarily skilled and dedicated plastic surgeons will be able to recommend the right treatment plans for your unique goals and concerns. With our office in Boca Raton, men and women in Florida can achieve the most natural and elegant results. Call us to schedule your consultation.