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Face Surgery > Otoplasty (ear pinning) |
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Ear surgery (Otoplasty) is usually done
to set prominent ears back closer to the
head or to reduce the size of large
ears. The operation is done on patients
from age four to adults. Ears are almost
fully grown by age 4, and the earlier
the surgery, the less teasing and
ridicule the patient will have to
endure. Ear surgery on adults is common.
There are generally no additional risks
associated with ear surgery on an older
patient. Ear surgery usually takes
about one to two hours, although
complicated procedures may take longer.
With one of the more common techniques,
the surgeon makes a small incision in
the back of the ear to expose the ear
cartilage. He will then sculpt the
cartilage and bend it back toward the
head. Non-removable stitches may be used
to help maintain the new shape.
Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a
larger piece of cartilage to provide a
more natural-looking fold when the
surgery is complete. Another technique
involves a similar incision in the back
of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches
are used to fold the cartilage back on
itself to reshape the ear without
removing cartilage. In most cases, ear
surgery will leave a faint scar in the
back of the ear that will fade with
time. Even when only one ear appears to
protrude, surgery is usually performed
on both ears for a better balance.
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Are You a Good
Candidate?
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- If you have ears that stick out
too far from the sides of the head.
- If your ears have an unusual or
undesirable shape.
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Intended Results
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- Ears that have normal folds and
shape with normal protrusion from
the sides of the head.
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Procedure Description
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- The operation is usually
performed on an outpatient basis
under general anesthesia.
- The ears are usually bandaged
with a dressing that wraps around
the head in a turban-like fashion
for several days.
- Initial mild postoperative
discomfort is easily controlled with
oral medication.
- The procedure is appropriate
beginning at the age four or any
time thereafter.
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Recuperation and
Healing
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- The ears usually look "normal"
within 10 to 20 days.
- Usually, a thin stocking cap or
headband is worn at night for three
weeks after the first dressing is
removed to protect the ears.
- Contact sports should be avoided
for about a month.
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Other Options
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- Any facial procedure that is
desired or appropriate would enhance
the result.
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Insurance Guidelines
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- Insurance usually does not cover
this procedure.
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Note
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- The specific risk and
suitability of the procedure for a
given individual can be determined
only at the time of consultation.
All surgical procedures have some
degree of risk. Minor complications
that do not affect the outcome occur
occasionally. Major complications
are unusual.
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Photographs
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No photographs are currently
available for this procedure.
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