Children and adults alike can be cruel when it comes to ears that stick out from the head. Nicknames like “Dumbo” or “Wings” are all too common. Many try to hide their ears by growing out their hair, wearing hats, etc. Many bear painful emotional scars from the teasing and taunting they experienced in their youth due to protruding ears. Luckily, this condition is entirely treatable with a relatively simple surgery. Ear pinning (also known as otoplasty) is a surgical procedure to correct ears that stick out too far.
If you’ve got questions about otoplasty, we’ve got answers. Do you have a question that isn’t on this list? Contact our offices at 804-267-6009 and schedule a consultation. We’d love to meet you!
Can Children Have Ear Pinning Surgery?
Ear pinning surgery is commonly performed on children. The surgery can be performed on both children and adults, but having it done early in life can save the child from years of harassment. Surgery can be performed any time after the ears reach full size, usually around five or six years of age. The surgery is often performed right before a child enters Kindergarten or first grade.
How Long Does Ear Pinning Surgery Take?
An otoplasty procedure generally takes between one and three hours. Dr. Lewis will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect during your surgery at your consultation appointment.
What Can I Expect from Ear Pinning Surgery?
During ear pinning surgery a small incision is typically made behind the ear. Cartilage and skin are removed and permanent sutures are used to hold the ears back. During ear pinning surgery cartilage can also be reshaped, correcting problems including misshapen, mismatched, and large ears.
Is Otoplasty Surgery Painful?
Patient comfort is a primary concern for Dr. Lewis, especially on surgeries involving children. The procedure can be performed under either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. With either option the patient will not feel any pain during the surgery. General anesthesia is often the preferred option if the patient is a child. Pain medications can be provided to ease any discomfort after surgery.
What’s Recovery Like?
Recovery after ear pinning surgery usually takes between one and two weeks. Bruising and swelling are common and usually fade in the first couple of weeks after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for the first three weeks after their procedure. It can take time for the ears to heal to enough for the results to be visible. Expect to wait a week or two before you can fully see the results.
What’s the Next Step?
If you’re interested in learning more about otoplasty, contact our offices and schedule an appointment with Dr. Lewis. Call us today!