Ear Pinning - Everything You Need to Know

What Is Ear Pinning?

Ear pinning is also called Otoplasty. With this surgery, the ear's appearance is improved, and its size, shape, and relationship to the face are symmetrical. It does not limit the ability to hear. Even a tiny change in the ear can enhance facial features and increase the individual's self-esteem.

Where Is It Needed?

Ear pinning is indicated in case of

• Individuals with large and protruding ears.

• Abnormal shape of ears.

• Injury to ears.

• Structural deformity caused due to congenital abnormality.

Who Is a Potential Candidate for Surgery?

• Healthy individuals without any systemic illness.

• For children over five years of age, the development of the ear is 90 percent complete and is ideal for surgery.

• Non- Smokers, as smoking reduces the healing process.

• Individuals with realistic expectations.

How to Choose a Surgeon?

• A plastic surgeon usually performs ear pinning.

• Always select a certified surgeon.

• Make sure the surgeon is a certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has at least six years of surgical and three years of plastic surgery experience.

• By choosing a certified plastic surgeon, the patient is assured of results.

What Do Surgeons Do Before Surgery?

• The surgeon will evaluate the patient's medical history to find out the presence of any systemic disease.

• Surgeons will evaluate the parameters of the ear, such as width and vertical height, along with facial analysis to determine the surgical procedure.

• The surgeon will take photographs to evaluate the surgical procedure's pre and post-operative success.

• The surgeon will conduct lab and medical tests to rule out the presence of an ear infection.

• History of medications taken by patients.

• Patients are advised to quit smoking for at least two months before the procedure.

• Once the surgeon completes the evaluation of the patient, he discusses the treatment options available and the precautions to be followed by the patient.

• The patient can discuss their expectations about the surgery.

How Is Surgical Procedure Done?

Anesthesia:

• Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients can return home on the same day, but sometimes, patients may need to be in the hospital overnight.

• In the case of children, general anesthesia is preferred as the child may not cooperate enough with local anesthesia.

• Patients are advised to stop taking medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., as they prevent blood clotting for at least one week before surgery.

• Patients are asked not to drink or eat 6-8 hours before the surgery if surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

• The patient is advised to accompany a person to care for them if general anesthesia is preferred.

Surgical Procedure:

• The ear abnormalities are caused mainly due to two reasons, one is due to cartilage issues, and the other is an ear fold issue which can alter the position of the ear away from the head.

• There are three procedures in which ear pinning is performed.

The Davis Procedure:

• This procedure treats the extra cartilage in the ear that makes the ear pull away from the skull.

• The conchal cartilage is a bowl-shaped structure that is found inside the ear.

• In this procedure, the ear is moved to a more standard location closer to the head by removing extra tissue from the base of this bowl.

• Thus, this procedure takes care of what is known as conchal bowl cartilage hypertrophy.

The Mustarde Procedure :

• The Mustarde procedure recreates the antihelical fold.

• The second most common problem seen is an absence of an antihelical fold. Everybody should have a small fold or wrinkle that controls the ear and where the ear tip rests.

• The ear will protrude if there isn't a fold or antithetical fold.

• The Mustarde Procedure creates a fold on the external ear where none previously existed. This fold is made by measuring, marking, and stitching into place using permanent sutures to produce a more natural-looking fold.

Incisionless Procedure:

• In this procedure, a needle is inserted below the ear's cartilage to make it more flexible.

• As there is no incision in this procedure, the patient will not have any scars or wounds.

• However, stitches are placed to hold the ear in a new position and retain its shape.

• Surgeons find this method to be effective and safe.

How Much Time Is Taken for the Surgery?

• The time taken for the surgery depends on what type of surgery is done.

• In the case of Davis or Mustarde surgery, each will take 45 minutes to one hour.

• Sometimes, both procedures may be required to correct the deformity; in such cases, it may take two to a half hours to complete.

What Are the Post-Operative Instructions Followed by the Patient?

• After surgery, bandages are given, so patients should take proper care to prevent infection.

• Keep the bandages clean and dry if it is covering the head. Patients won't be allowed to wash their hair until the dressing is taken off.

• Patients might have to sleep with a headband on for a few weeks to keep their ears safe.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing on the scars.

• Avoid wearing clothes that are pulled over; instead, wear loose-fitting or button-down shirts.

• Patients' ears may feel sensitive, or the stitches may poke through the skin.

• Medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are preferred to alleviate the pain.

• The bandage and stitches (unless dissolvable) are removed after seven to ten days.

• The majority of kids may return to school after one to two weeks.

• After four to six weeks, patients can go swimming.

• Physical activities such as sports are safe after 12 weeks.

What Are the Complications?

• Infection or inflammation.

• Permanent scarring or bruising.

• Sensitivity or tenderness in ears.

• Numbness.

• Excessive bleeding.

• Asymmetry of the ears.

• Stiffness of ears.

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia.

• Failure of the surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

Ear pinning surgery helps enhance facial features. The results can be seen immediately after surgery and are usually long-lasting. However, follow-up appointments and proper post-operative care are essential to maintain the results.