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• Face-lift
• Eyelid Tuck
• Brow Lift
• Laser Resurfacing
• Ear Pinning
• Rhinoplasty
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Who Considers Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)?

Parents who notice prominent ears in their children often wonder if ear pinning (otoplasty) would be appropriate for their child. The ear deformity is often noticed at a young age and the ear appears to ‘stick out’ from the head and not fold back gracefully. In other children there can be abnormal folds or extra bits of skin and cartilage.

Adults who are self conscious about the appearance and contour of their ears also consider otoplasty.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is the medical term to describe correction of misshapen or folded ears. If the ear deformity is especially pronounced (or when the child becomes self-conscious about the appearance of their ears) ear surgery is often performed. The ear is fully grown at 5 years of age and ear surgery is usually performed at this time so the ear deformity is corrected prior to the child starting school. Consultation can fully explain the exact abnormality present and options available to correct the appearance of the ears

How is the Procedure Performed?

• An incision is made behind the ear and the misshapen cartilage is sculpted into a more normal appearing form. In other types of ear correction other incisions may be used.
• Surgery takes approximately one hour per ear and is performed under general anesthesia in children and can be with local numbing or general anesthesia in adults. Surgery may be performed at the hospital (children) or the office (adults). Patients return home the same day as surgery.

What is Normal Recovery?

Bulky bandages are removed several days after surgery but a headband or other protective wrap is worn for 2-4 weeks. Prescription medication is used for the first several days following surgery to help with any discomfort, throbbing or burning. Vigorous activity or rough play is restricted for approximately 4 weeks following otoplasty.

What are Expected Results?

Better shaped ears sitting closer to the head is the usual result following otoplasty in both children and adults.

Are There Potential Complications?

All surgery carries some risk. Otoplasty is very common and very safe and risks are minimal. Problems are generally minor, related to scarring, asymmetry or fluid. All of these and other, more uncommon problems can be reviewed on the ASPS link below.

Copy adapted from the joint ASPS and PSEF website.