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Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is surgery that is performed to set prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of ears that are larger than desired. Normally, otoplasty is done on children between ages 4-14 because ears are done growing by the age of four and surgery can prevent children from enduring ridicule, but otoplasty can also be done on adults. A successful otoplasty surgery will make ears more proportional to the size and shape of the head and face. Otoplasty begins by making an incision behind the ear where the natural fold is where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon removes the appropriate amount of cartilage and skin to achieve the desired look. In some otoplasty procedures the surgeon will trim the cartilage to shape it to a more desirable form and pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. Sometimes otoplasty is performed without removing any cartilage and using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. Sculpting the cartilage into the desired form the surgeon will then suture the ear to anchor it until proper healing can hold the ear on its own. Otoplasty carries mild discomfort that will subside after a few weeks. Minimal risks are involved with otoplasty. The thin scar behind the ear after otoplasty is placed in the natural crease so that it is not as visible. |
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