What does the Ear Pinning procedure, also known as Otoplasty, involve?
Otoplasty, also called ear pinning, is a surgical intervention aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the ears. The procedure involves the repositioning of the ear cartilage and the removal of any surplus skin or tissue that may cause an uneven look. This technique can assist in minimizing or eliminating the prominence of the ears, creating a more harmonious balance with the rest of the facial features.
The primary goal of ear pinning surgery is to reduce the size and protrusion of a person’s ears while maintaining their natural shape. The procedure begins by making small incisions in front or behind the ear before manipulating and reshaping them with sutures or permanent stitches. In some cases, excess cartilage may need to be removed to give the ear a more natural shape. A bandage will then be applied over each ear for protection and support during recovery.
The duration of otoplasty varies based on the extent of correction needed. Patients are typically discharged on the same day but will need a driver due to the lingering effects of anesthesia. Results are usually visible immediately following surgery but can take up to six weeks for full results to become visible.
Benefits of Ear Pinning in Pasadena, CA
Ear pinning surgery offers many advantages, including improved self-confidence and improved balance between facial features such as eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead, thanks to improved symmetry between both sides of your face. It can also correct congenital defects such as prominent ears, which can result from genetics or trauma at birth or during childhood development stages. It can greatly reduce the size and protrusion of a patient’s ears while maintaining their natural shape and skin sensation. Facial plastic surgeons specialize in this type of surgical procedure to give patients an improved facial appearance with better ear size and proportion that will last for many years to come.
Before Surgery
Things to Consider Before Undergoing Otoplasty Surgery
Before undergoing otoplasty surgery, it is important to discuss the procedure with your cosmetic surgeon in order to ensure that you are fully informed and prepared for any potential risks associated with the procedure. Your surgical plan should be tailored to your specific needs in order to achieve a balanced appearance while maintaining natural ear shape and skin sensation. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the consistency of your ear cartilage, the size of your ears, and any excess skin or tissue that may require removal. Other important considerations include the type of anesthesia used during the procedure and whether or not you will need a pre-operative evaluation prior to surgery. Taking all these factors into account will help ensure that you receive the best results from your otoplasty procedure.
Expectations
What to Expect During the Consultation Process
During the consultation process for otoplasty, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon will assess the patient’s overall health and discuss any pre-existing medical conditions. The doctor will also evaluate the size and shape of the ears, as well as any ear deformity or protrusion that may be present. Additionally, depending on the patient’s age, pre-operative medical tests may be recommended to ensure that they are healthy enough for surgery. In some cases, dietary modifications such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake or maintaining a healthy diet may be recommended in order to maximize results. As otoplasty is generally considered to be a simple procedure with few risks, it is important to discuss all potential options with your doctor before undergoing surgery.
Overview of the Ear Pinning Procedure
The ear pinning or otoplasty procedure is a cosmetic surgery that can be performed to reduce the size and protrusion of a person’s ears while maintaining their natural shape. During the procedure, small incisions are made either in front or behind the ear, which allows for manipulation and reshaping with sutures or permanent stitches. In some cases, excess cartilage may need to be removed in order to give the ear a more natural shape. The duration of this procedure varies based on the extent of correction needed, but typically patients are discharged on the same day.
In order to prepare for the procedure, it is important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor and any pain management medications that may be necessary during surgery. Additionally, depending on age, pre-operative medical tests may be recommended in order to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery. It is also advised to stop all strenuous activities several weeks prior to having surgery and avoid contact sports after the operation is complete.
After surgery has been completed, a bandage will be applied over each ear for protection and support during recovery. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during this process and can resume normal activities within a few days after surgery if approved by their doctor. Results from otoplasty become visible immediately following the operation however it can take up to six weeks for full results to become visible.
Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Side Effects
Possible Side Effects and Complications of Ear Pinning Surgery
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some potential side effects and complications associated with otoplasty or ear pinning surgery. Common side effects include temporary numbness in the ears and pain and swelling for up to several weeks after the operation. Depending on the patient, a headband may be recommended at night to support and protect the ears during the healing process. It is also important that patients avoid strenuous physical activity for at least four weeks following surgery in order to allow ample time for recovery. In some cases, a small amount of scarring may occur but typically resolves over time with proper care. Additionally, it is important to note that results from otoplasty may not be immediately noticeable and can take up to six weeks before full results become visible.
In order to minimize these risks, it is essential that you discuss all possible side effects with your doctor prior to having surgery, as well as any pain management medications you may require during or after the operation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle both before and after surgery can help ensure optimal results from your procedure while reducing any potential complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding.
Otoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost is between $3,000 and $8,000. This includes all pre-operative appointments as well as the surgery itself and any post-operative care that may be necessary. It is important to discuss costs with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment in order to ensure you understand all associated fees.
In order to be a suitable candidate for otoplasty, it is important to be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of your procedure. Additionally, you should be at least 5 years old, as this will ensure that your ears have finished growing before any surgery is performed. If you are an adult, it is also important to ensure that your ears have stopped growing before undergoing otoplasty, as any further changes may require additional revision surgery. It is also advised to discuss all possible side effects and risks associated with ear pinning surgery with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment.
Otoplasty is typically worth the downtime associated with the procedure in order to achieve desired results. While it does require some time for recovery and downtime, patients can usually return to their normal activities within a few days after surgery. Moreover, the results from otoplasty can be dramatic and long-lasting, making it an effective solution for those seeking to improve the appearance of their ears. Ultimately, it is important that patients discuss all aspects of the procedure with their doctor prior to scheduling an appointment in order to ensure they are fully aware of what the process entails, as well as any potential risks or side effects associated with ear pinning surgery.
Otoplasty is generally a permanent procedure, as the ears are reshaped and repositioned to create a more pleasing aesthetic appearance. Although the results of the surgery can be long-term, it is important to note that additional revision surgery may be necessary if further changes occur due to natural growth or aging. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after your otoplasty procedure in order to ensure optimal results for as long as possible.
If you live near Pasadena, CA, Dr. Panossian offers ear pinning among its services and is conveniently located at 39 Congress St., Suite 402 Pasadena, CA 91105. You can discuss the ear pinning surgery cost and other concerns with Dr. Panossian before making a decision.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
