Ear Pinning

Surgical and Common Names

Otoplasty

Ear Pinning 

Prominent Ear Correction (1 side) 

Prominent Ear Correction (Both sides) 

If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery. Ear surgery — also known as otoplasty — can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.

Specifically ear surgery can treat:

- Overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia

- Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss 

- Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery

 

The Procedure

The specific technique used will depend on the nature of your ear problem.  Generally, a small incision is made at the back of the ear/s (sometimes excess cartilage from the ear is removed) and the ear/s will be sculpted and bent back towards the head, sutures are then used to hold the new position. 

In most cases, otoplasty will leave a small scar at the back of the ear that will fade in time. 

 

Post Operative   

Everyone is different when it comes to post-operative recovery. Some people recover quicker than others and vice versa. 

Following surgery your head will be wrapped in bandages to maintain the position and facilitate healing.  The ears may throb or ache for a few days after surgery but should disappear with time. 

After a few days, the bandages are removed and replaced with a lighter head dressing and following this later onto a headband.  It is vital, that the dressings are worn at all times, especially at night when you go to bed. 

If sutures are used will be removed or will dissolve in a week.  Following surgery some patients will experience side effects: temporary throbbing, aching and swelling, redness and numbness. 

For the first few months patients should avoid any strenuous activities or contact sports.  You will be able to return to work or school within 5-7 days.

 

Result  

Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear.

 

Risks 

A small proportion of patients develop a blood clot on the ear.  This may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out by your surgeon with a needle.  Infrction is a common risk as with all surgeries, but is unlikely with the use of antibiotics. An uncommon risk is excessive scarring, mis-matched or artificial looking ears or a recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeated surgery, but these risks are very rare. 

 

Surgery Details

Duration in Thailand: 7 Days

Hospital Admission: Outpatient Procedure
Duration of Operation: 1-3 Hours
Anaesthetic: Local Anaesthetic