Do you feel like your ears stick out too far from your head? If this is something that has always bothered you, you should know that there is a procedure to help you. Read on for some information on ear pinning surgery and why it might be right for you!
What happens during ear pinning surgery?
The technical term for this procedure is “otoplasty,” and the procedure actually reshapes the ears rather than “pinning” them back. The otoplasty procedure varies depending on exactly what needs to be done to get the results the patient wants. It can help you if you feel like your ears are too big, irregularly shaped, are asymmetric, or stick out too far. During an otoplasty consultation, you and your doctor will discuss the problems you have and the results you would like to see. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with general anesthetic or intravenous sedation. Otoplasty has a very low risk of complications. The surgeon will remove or reshape cartilage and tissue with incisions made behind the ear, and he or she will use fine sutures so that any scarring is minimal and hidden. Both ears can be worked on during the same procedure.
What happens after otoplasty?
There will be some discomfort, bruising, and swelling, but this can be helped with over-the-counter pain medication. Typically there is only minimal pain. Your ears will be covered with bandages to protect them from infection, and you will be given compression bandages. Once the swelling goes down, you will see a difference in your ears right away. You should avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks and make sure to protect the ears from any kind of impact (that is, you should probably bow out of that soccer game your friends are playing!). Patients can typically get back to normal activities within 7 to 10 days.
If you have always been self-conscious about your ears, it may be time to do something about it. Contact Specialists in Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina, for an otoplasty consultation. Call (919) 785-0505 to discuss your options today!