Do you or your child have ears that protrude more than normal? Prominent ears can be socially painful, especially at a young age. Otoplasty is a type of surgery that addresses the appearance of the ears, including ear pinning, a procedure used to rotate the ears to a more desirable angle and make them less obvious. If you have questions about ear pinning or other corrective surgical procedures for your ears, contact Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN for more information.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that specializes in correcting issues with the ears. Surgeons can change the shape, rotation, and size of the ears to fix deformities and reduce the prominence and size of ears. This surgery is sometimes called ear pinning surgery due to the popularity of the surgery for reducing the protrusion of ears from the head. The treatment is an outpatient procedure conducted in our Murfreesboro office.
What to Expect From Surgery
If you consider ear pinning surgery or any surgery to correct your ears, the procedure begins with a consultation. For our patients over the age of 18, this is a great chance to talk about other aesthetic enhancements, like BOTOX. When we determine that the surgery is the best course of action for you, we can make an appointment for your procedure.
You will be under general anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home and assist you in the days immediately following surgery. Visible scarring after recovery is unlikely, as any small scars are hidden on the back of the ears by precise incisions and should heal with time.
Reasons to Consider Otoplasty
Fix Prominent Ears
Prominent ears are ears that protrude more than is typical. The appearance of prominent ears can be the cause of bullying and low self-confidence. During ear pinning, a surgeon will rotate the ears back so they stick out less. This procedure is common for children between the ages of four and 14, when the cartilage in the ear has fully developed. Patients of any age can return to their normal life after about a week of recovery with a renewed self-confidence.
Address Birth Defects and Deformities
Birth defects affecting the ears can impact a patient’s appearance and self-image. Patients want to have ears that have a good balance and an average shape. Deformities and birth defects in the ears can be addressed at a fairly early age: usually by the age of five. We can shape the cartilage of the ear, so the shape and balance are satisfactory.
Reduce Ear Size
Ears that are proportionately larger than average are sometimes caused by a condition called macrotia. This means the ears are longer than they would ordinarily be for a male or female of a certain age. The condition can usually be treated during childhood and reduces the size of the ears to a more suitable proportion by reshaping the excess skin and cartilage to achieve the desired length.
Change Ear Position and Shape
If the ears’ position and shape are undesirable to a patient, a surgical procedure can also be used to provide a more typical angle and shape for the ears. This procedure rotates the ears similar to ear pinning for prominent ears and can reduce excess skin and cartilage that cause the ears to be misshapen.
How Soon Is Recovery Expected?
Patients are given instructions to prepare for the procedure and care for their ears after the procedure. Patients will spend a night in our recovery room to ensure safety and comfort for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After the 24-hour recovery period, patients are encouraged to shampoo and shower, and the tight-fitting dressing that provides compression after surgery can be removed. The dressing is replaced with a headband and gauze that will be worn for several weeks after surgery.
Patients can rest at home after the first 24 hours and will be prescribed pain medication as well as a diet rich in fruits and fluids. Patients will be able to return to work or school after only a week but should avoid strenuous activity for six more weeks. Patients are encouraged to stand up and walk as soon as possible. Sun exposure to the ears and smoking or nicotine products should be avoided for some time after the procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for This Procedure?
Although most candidates for ear surgery are young and the procedure is usually recommended between the ages of four and 14, men and women of all ages can benefit from surgery. A doctor will determine if the cartilage is developed enough to proceed with surgery at a young age.
Patients will usually see their scars heal quickly when a skilled surgeon completes the operation, as they are well hidden by precise incisions behind the ear. Patients old enough to smoke should discontinue smoking before surgery and will have to avoid nicotine products as part of their recovery.
Fix Your Prominent Ears Today
If you are ready to correct prominent ears for yourself or your child, visit Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN for an initial consultation on life-changing ear pinning surgery. Otoplasty can be used to address a variety of appearance issues in the ears and improve your confidence and self-image. This is an outpatient procedure under the care of a skilled specialist that involves easy and quick recovery for most patients.
