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Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)

The repair of abnormalities of the external portion of the ear, called otoplasty, is a very commonly requested operation. The results are very satisfying to the patient and family, and often the outlook of the patient will change dramatically after the operation. This is particularly true with children. When ears protrude notably or are abnormal in some way, children are often teased by their peers. They are generally self-conscious and, in some instances, become shy and introverted solely due to the constant teasing from their friends. Many a mother has recounted how their child’s personality blossomed after otoplasty, also called ear pinning. Some have even noted improvement in school grades. Otoplasty often gives adults from Bay Area cities like Lafayette, Brentwood, and Walnut Creek the confidence to style their hair any way they wish after their procedure.

The Operation

Except in children, the operation is performed using Light Sleep Anesthesia. In children under the age of eight, the operation is always performed under General Anesthesia. All incisions are placed behind the ear so there are no visible scars after the operation. If the ears are protruding, they may be rotated back. If some of the natural folds are missing, they are created. Missing or abnormal sections of the ear may be constructed from tissues taken from other parts of the ear or from other areas of the body. Ears that have been injured and/or thickened, most commonly in wrestling, can be thinned and sculpted. At the end of the operation, a pressure dressing is placed and worn for five to seven days and should not get wet during that time.

There’s More To It

The risks of the operation are bleeding and infection, but both are exceedingly rare. With proper post-operative care, this is a very safe and satisfying operation that carries very little risk, beautiful results, and almost no discomfort from the operation itself.

The patient should note that the ears can often feel numb for two to three months after the operation. The sensation returns slowly over that time. This is the reason that there is generally no pain in the post-operative period, which makes the operation exceptionally well tolerated in children.

The operation is generally performed in children around age six. The child generally follows instructions well because he/she is so happy to have the problem repaired and is so pleased with the results.

Recovery

The First Month After Surgery

The pressure dressing is removed after five to seven days. After removal of the dressing, a sweat-band should be worn at night only, to protect the ears until the end of the sixth post-operative week. Normal, non-strenuous activity may be resumed two days after surgery. The patient should refrain from bending over for three weeks, keeping the head higher than the heart during that time. The patient should not sleep on his/her side for three weeks. Routine exercise may begin at the end of the fourth post-operative week, and contact sports may be restarted at the end of the sixth post-operative week.

Get Started

Request an appointment with Dr. Persons using the online form or call our office at (925) 283-4012 to schedule an appointment.

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