Ear-pinning – also known as an otoplasty or pinnaplasty – is a cosmetic surgery whereby the size or shape of the patient’s ears are altered if they stick out. This procedure is usually performed on children and young teenagers, although many adults opt to have it done later into their lives. The aim of the surgery is generally to correct an abnormality in the patient’s ears, or simply improve the overall appearance. Studies show that having protruding or prominent ears can lead to self-esteem, isolation and lack of confidence.

So, what does the procedure involve? Us here at Dr John are here to enlighten you today!

The procedure

Generally, it is difficult to say exactly what happens as every patient is different, though the procedure usually takes somewhere between 1 or 2 hours. The procedure itself usually involves making a small cut behind the ear in order to expose the ear cartilage; removing small pieces of cartilage (if necessary) and putting stitches at the back of the ear in a bid to reshape or reposition it closer to the head.

The recovery

The recovery stage usually includes wearing a bandage around your head to ensure that your ears heal in their new position and to protect them from outside interference/infection. It is important to keep this bandage clean and dry, and a headband may need to be worn at night to protect your ears.

What can be expected:

• A small scar behind each ear (which will eventually fade)
• Slightly sore ears for the first couple of days
• Numbness or tingling in the ears for a couple of weeks
• Slight bruising around the ears for a couple of weeks

You should be able to:

• Wash your hair 14 days after surgery
• Swim after 4-6 weeks
• Travel at any time
• Return to school or work after 1-2 weeks (dependant on your occupation)
• Participate in contact sports after 12 weeks.

Got any more questions surrounding ear-pinning? Contact us, here today!