Your ears are an essential body part because they’re responsible for your hearing, which is critical for communication, understanding, and safety. Our ears’ size can also significantly impact our self-esteem.
Many people may naturally have big ears, and while some consider it an asset, it could be an insecurity to others. Fortunately, cosmetic advancements like otoplasty surgery, also known as ear pinning, can reshape your ears and boost your self-confidence.
However, as you research more about this treatment, you may wonder if you’re a suitable candidate. This article will answer your question by defining ear pinning, what happens in the surgery, and what you can expect in the recovery process. We’ll also provide essential post-surgery tips.
What Is Ear Pinning?
It’s a surgical procedure where a plastic surgeon will reposition the ears to make them less noticeable. While they do ear pinning on children as young as five or six, adults may also consider it for aesthetic reasons.
This form of otoplasty aims to alter the outer ears’ size, shape, and position. It can correct deformities like big ears, asymmetrical ears, or those that stick out too far. Otoplasty can also rebuild missing or damaged ears because of injury or congenital disabilities.
Who Can Qualify for Otoplasty?
This process can help those dissatisfied with their ear appearance and seeking realistic outcomes. It can treat issues like protruding or oversized ears, holes in the earlobes, asymmetrical ears, and ear deformities.
Am I Qualified for This Treatment?
You can qualify for ear surgery if you’re an adult or child in good health, over the age of 5 with fully developed ear cartilage. Moreover, adults can combine this procedure with other facial surgeries like a facelift or rhinoplasty. The best way to determine eligibility and determine your desired look is to consult a plastic surgeon.
What Happens during an Otoplasty Surgery?
Your plastic surgeon can do this type of plastic surgery in their surgery center or at the hospital. The procedure typically takes two to three hours. Your plastic surgeon will make tiny cuts behind your ears to remove the excess skin.
After that, they’ll move your ears closer to the head and close the cuts with stitches. Plastic surgeons can do this surgery on adults and children, and you can go home after the procedure.
What to Expect When Recovering from an Ear Pinning?
After an ear pinning procedure, the patient will go home with a head bandage or ear splints as directed. They should avoid wearing glasses or earrings for a few weeks. They can gently wash their face and hair, clean the wound with a cotton swab and use medications according to what the plastic surgeon prescribes.
Recovery Time and When Can I See Results?
People can return to normal activities like work or school within a week. While you can immediately see the effects of the procedure, it may take up to a year for the ears to settle into their final position. While recovering, you should sleep upright to avoid putting pressure on the ears and follow your plastic surgeon’s advice, such as avoiding strenuous exercise and how to wash them.
The recovery time for otoplasty is usually quick, and most people recover after one week to ten days. However, every patient is different, and the specific recovery time will depend on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s health.
Important Post-surgery Instructions to Remember
You can get the best results by following your plastic surgeon’s post-surgery instructions, such as avoiding certain activities for a few weeks, alerting the team of any issues, and keeping follow-up appointments.
Conclusion
Ear pinning procedures can help correct deformities and boost self-confidence. Following your plastic surgeon’s advice would help ensure you get the best results.
If you need otoplasty or ear pinning in Torrance, CA, let us help. Peninsula Plastic Surgery aims to be on the cutting edge of effective plastic surgery procedures. Schedule an appointment for a free cosmetic surgery consult today!