Ear pinning is a cosmetic ear surgery procedure completed by an ENT specialist. It is a type of otoplasty.
Ear pinning is done to make changes to the shape, size, or position of a patient’s ears. Patients have different reasons for undergoing an ear pinning procedure. Reasons may include not being happy with how far your ears stick out away from your head, misshapen ears due to birth defects, or physical deformities caused by injury.
The procedure can only be completed on fully grown ears, usually after a patient has reached five years old.
Reasons for Ear Pinning
Oftentimes, ear pinning is completed because the patient is not happy with the size or look of their ears. It may also be done to correct a previous surgery that didn’t offer favorable results. If children are born with prominent ears that stick out from their head or have ears that are oddly shaped, parents may opt to have their ears splinted while they are still growing. This can usually correct most issues if started right after birth. Ear pinning and ear splinting will not change the location of a patient’s ears and the ability to hear will not be affected.
Preparing for Ear Pinning Surgery
Before your surgery, you will discuss your medical history and expectations, and be given a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about your past and current medical conditions. Be sure not to forget any issues you may have or have had with your ears, such as ear infections. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. During your physical examination, the doctor will look at the shape, size, and symmetry of your ears.
Expectations And Precautions
When discussing the procedure with your doctor, tell them what results you are hoping to receive from the surgery. Explain what you want your ears to look like in terms of appearance following the surgery. It is also important to understand the risks and precautions of the procedure. If you are a smoker, tell your doctor. Smoking can decrease your blood flow and slow down your healing process. Your doctor may recommend you to stop smoking before and after the procedure until you are fully recovered.
What to Expect
The surgery will be done in an outpatient surgical center. It is usually completed under sedation and local anesthesia.
During an otoplasty, the surgeon will use various techniques to give you the desired look, size, and symmetry you are hoping for. Depending on your situation, the doctor may make incisions on the backs of your ears or within the inner creases. After the incisions, the doctor will remove any excess skin and cartilage. The procedure generally takes two or three hours.
After the surgery, your ears will be covered with bandages for support and protection while healing. You may experience some pain and itching. Your doctor will recommend a suitable pain medication for comfort. Your doctor will examine your ears and remove the bandages after a few days.