Ear Pining – Otoplasty
Information provided by ASI - Boca Raton, Florida

This cosmetic surgery procedure pins ears closer to the head, reduces the size of large ears, and reshapes them. This can result in the ears appearing more normal, smaller, or not stick out as much.

Typical candidates for this surgery are actually younger patients. After the ear has grown, usually between four to six years of age, children can have otoplasty. This is done at a young age so that the child can avoid being teased during their school years.

Adults can also undergo ear surgery, without taking on any additional risks. They usually have this done to enhance their appearance, and to improve self-esteem.

With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including ear surgery, it is imperative that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and so on. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased. While the information contained in this website will provide you with a good introduction to ear surgery, when considering this procedure, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, we recommend that you consult a qualified provider with significant experience. Some important elements you should understand regarding ear surgery include the following:

Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?

An ideal candidate is one who is looking to improve certain ear shape or size problems. These include:

Large ears.

Protruding ears.

Lop ear (when the top seems to fold down and forward)

Cupped ear (a condition where the ear is very small)

Shell ear (when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing)

Large or stretched earlobes.

Earlobes with large creases and wrinkles.

The consultation visit is an important part of ear surgery. Be sure to discuss your reasons for wanting ear surgery when you consult with your cosmetic surgeon. That will help the doctor determine if you are a qualified candidate for the procedure.

If the candidate is a child, he must wait until the ears are almost fully grown, usually between ages four and six, before undergoing surgery. Having ear surgery at a younger age carries psychological and physical advantages. The cartilage is extremely flexible, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement. Adult patients do not take on any additional risks by having ear surgery at an older age. However, they should understand that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in children.

How is this procedure performed?

The type of anesthesia used typically depends upon the age of the patient. If ear surgery is performed on a younger patient, the surgeon may recommend general anesthesia, allowing the child to sleep through the operation. For older patients, local anesthesia may be used, allowing the patient to be awake but relaxed.

The operation takes about two to three hours, depending on the type of problem. One of the more common techniques is when the doctor makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the cartilage. Then the doctor sculpts the cartilage and bends it back toward the head. Stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape as well as close the incision. Occasionally, a larger piece of cartilage may be removed, which will provide a more natural-looking fold when surgery is complete.

For more information on cosmetic surgery procedures performed in Florida, please contact one of the cosmetic surgery experts at the ASI office in Boca Raton.