Ear pinning Surgery
(Otoplasty)
Otoplasty is the name given to the procedure used to correct prominent or protruding ears. This is a common condition that causes more of a cosmetic problem than a functional one; however, because of the obvious nature, it can be emotionally upsetting to the patient. The physical aspect of the problem can be improved easily by surgery, often leading to a resolution of the emotional aspect.
By the time a child is six years of age, the ear has reached approximately 90% of its adult size. Keeping this in mind, we believe it is preferable to perform otoplasty on children at age four to five, prior to starting school, to avoid nicknames or teasing by other children.
The Procedure
Otoplasty is designed to correct the deformity of prominent ears by repositioning the ears closer to the head and creating folds that may be lacking in some children and adults. This is done by removing a small amount of skin from behind the ear and placing permanent sutures in the ear cartilage so that the ears heal in a more natural position. The procedure, unless performed in conjunction with another procedure, is performed on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia (in children) and takes approximately one hour to complete.
Post-Operative Instructions
After surgery, the patient will need to sleep and rest with the head elevated on at least two or three pillows. Immediately following surgery, a gauze dressing will be placed to cover the head and ears; do not attempt to remove this dressing. It must stay in place until the first post-operative appointment and at that time Dr. Howard will remove the dressing. Do not be concerned by a small to moderate amount of drainage that may appear on the bandage after surgery.
When the head dressing is first removed, the ears may appear flat to the head or over-corrected. This will normalize over time. We ask that the patient sleep with a head band around the ears once the dressing is removed (a thick exercise type sweatband will do). Dr. Howard will instruct you on when the patient will no longer need to sleep while wearing a headband.
Swelling and some discoloration are expected about the ears, but this will disappear in two or three weeks. Report any excessive or uneven swelling to the clinic. You will be given oral pain medication to take once you are home. You should have a responsible adult stay with you the first night following your surgery.
The patient may shower gently once the head dressings are removed. While in the shower, let the water run gently over the surgical sites located behind both ears and use a mild shampoo such as baby shampoo. You may gently touch these areas with your fingers during this time to soften any crusts on the suture lines. You will also need to clean the suture lines with peroxide and a Q-tip three times a day. After each cleaning apply antibiotic ointment. You will be instructed on how to do this in the clinic on your first post-operative visit.
Fee
Otoplasty may not be considered a medically necessary procedure by your insurance company, but we will be happy to provide any assistance in filing your claim and pre-certification.
Protruding ears have a tendency to run in families. It is important that the patient understand that although the ears are positioned closer to the head, the size is not changed. Even if only one ear protrudes, it may be necessary to correct both ears to achieve symmetry. Rarely are two ears identical, so there would still be some difference following surgery, but it may not seem as noticeable.
This page is currently under construction
