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Adult Ear Pinning Surgery
by Paul S. Howard, MD, FACS
Ear Pinning surgery, or 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 is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes approximately one hour to complete.
After surgery, the patient will need to sleep with the head elevated. Immediately following surgery, a gauze dressing will be placed to cover the head and ears for protection. It must stay in place until the first post-operative appointment (3 or 4 days), 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 determine how long the headband may be required.
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.
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 2-3 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.
Photos above show an actual patient of Dr. Paul Howard. Notice the elegant result of the Otoplasty procedure.
205-871-3361
205-877-PAUL
800-734-LIPO