About Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) Surgery
Brookes Pittman, APRN | 03/10/2017
Protruding ears are a fairly uncommon condition that can bring about a significant social stigma and can alter one's self-confidence. The ears are developed in utero through the migration of several components into what we see as a normal ear. When one of the components does not fuse properly, then the ears manifest as being prominent. When a child is affected by this, they may become victims of bullying, causing social anxiety. Many times, adults come to see me to have their ears re-shaped as this had always plagued them. Oftentimes, women have issues with pulling their hair back, as they consciously use the longer hair to cover the protruding ears. Ear Pinning or Otoplasty is performed to address protruding ears. It involves surgically reshaping the outer ear. The surgery is performed externally through a small incision behind the ear in a very imperceptible location. The idea is that the cartilages of the ears are either set back closer to the scalp or the ear folds are created thereby setting the ear back closer to the scalp as well. This surgery is most commonly performed during childhood, oftentimes between the ages of 6 or 8, as this is the age when the ear is mostly developed. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia depending on the patient's comfort level. The surgery generally takes 1-2 hours and is painless afterwards. At Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery, we are specialists dealing only in the face, as such, we have a wide breadth of experience and knowledge when it comes to issues like this. This decision to have Otoplasty surgery should involve careful consideration. Furthermore, patients should research the qualifications of their doctor and make sure they consult with a specialist in the face. For more information on Otoplasty, please call our office (904) 686-8020.