For many people with large ears or ears that stick out, this is a source of self-consciousness and embarrassment. Maybe schoolyard bullying led to sensitivity about your ears, or maybe even a well-meaning relative assured you that you would “grow into those ears” when you grew up. Now, as an adult, you still haven’t grown into your ears, and you still feel self-conscious. Fortunately, otoplasty may be a viable option to reduce the size or correct the shape of your ears. If you’re not sure if it’s right for you, Dr. Ortiz, a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, is sharing five things you should know to determine if ear surgery would benefit you.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also called ear pinning surgery, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to reshape or minimize the appearance of the ears. To reduce protrusion or minimize their size, a small incision is made in the natural fold behind the ear, and excess cartilage and skin are removed to reposition and reduce the shape and size. Once this is complete, the incisions are closed with a few stitches.
Five Things to Know About Otoplasty
We’re often asked these questions related to ear pinning and ear surgery and are answering these to provide a bit more insight into the procedure and its results.
Who Is Otoplasty For?
Otoplasty can safely be performed on children over the age of five as well as adults. While the procedure is often easier on children as the cartilage is more pliable, it’s also minimally invasive for adults.
How Long Does Ear Pinning Take?
While it depends on the extent of the procedure, the most extensive ear pinning or otoplasty procedure rarely takes longer than a few hours, though if Dr. Ortiz is only repairing the earlobe, the procedure can be much faster.
What Is the Healing Experience?
Healing from otoplasty is often fairly quick and simple. After the procedure is complete, you’ll have a compression headband to wear to help reduce any swelling and bruising while also protecting your ears. After 24 to 48 hours, a simple “sweat” band or headband can be worn to protect the ears for a set period of time.
While a bit of bruising and swelling is common, the incisions will be bandaged to protect the area. Discomfort and mild soreness for a day or so after the procedure is also to be expected, and mild itching as the incisions heal is also normal. Once the bandages are removed, you’ll see immediate, permanent results.
What Does Otoplasty Fix?
Otoplasty refers to any cosmetic procedure designed to improve the look of the ear. While it’s most often done to minimize large ears or reduce how far the ears stick out, Dr. Ortiz can also repair earlobes that have been stretched or torn due to heavy earrings, large-gauge earrings, or injury.
Is Scarring Visible?
Because the incisions are placed behind the ear, within the fold, scarring is rarely visible or noticeable.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Otoplasty in Raleigh
If you are unhappy with the look of your ears and would like to make them less prominent or have the damage repaired, we can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz at our North Raleigh plastic surgery center and learn if this procedure is right for you. Call us at (919) 532-2270 or fill out our contact form below to get started.
