Information on ear pinning, also known as otoplasty.

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Ear Pinning

What is ear pinning?

Ear pinning is a simple cosmetic surgery remedy for ears that protrude excessively from the sides of the head. During the procedure, cartilage in the back of the ear is removed and the opening is sewn back together; in this way the ear is pulled back and in.

Ear pinning is one form of ear surgery, or otoplasty. Otoplasty can also correct for:

The tops of the ears bending downward
Small, cupped ears
Ears that do not curve outward enough
Large or stretched ears
Damaged or missing ears

Who is a candidate?

Many prospective patients will find ear pinning an effective solution to prominent ears. Patients can expect a low risk of complication, although they should thoroughly understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. An otoplasty surgeon can advise whether or not the procedure is right for a patient.

The majority of ear pinning patients are children between the ages of four and fourteen. Most otoplasty surgeons like to perform ear pinning in children as early as possible, to alleviate any ridicule the child might suffer. However, willingness to undergoing ear pinning is a prerequisite on the part of the child-patient, as a resistant child will be less cooperative during and after surgery.

How is ear pinning surgery performed?

Ear pinning starts with a consultation between the patient and the otoplasty surgeon. The surgeon investigates the problem and determines the best course of action for the procedure. He or she also issues instructions on how the patient should prepare for surgery.

Ear pinning is usually performed on an outpatient basis. A general anesthetic is preferred for young children, but older children and adults typically do fine under a sedative and local anesthetic.

Even if only one ear significantly protrudes, typically both ears are surgically pinned to avoid any discrepancy in appearance between the two. The otoplasty surgeon begins by making an incision behind the ear, in the crease between it and the side of the head. The incision reveals the cartilage, which the surgeon sculpts in order to bend the ear back towards the head. If necessary, a piece of the cartilage is removed. The surgeon may use permanent stitches to ensure that the cartilage retains its new shape. The incision is then sewn up, and a heavy bandage is wrapped around the ears and head so that the ears will heal into their proper shape.

What is recovery like?

Recovery from ear pinning is usually relatively painless and uncomplicated. However, the surgically repaired areas may throb or ache for a few days. The bandage around the ears is replaced by a wrap that resembles a headband. The stitches will either dissolve or will be removed within a week.

The primary precaution patients must take following surgery is to avoid activities that might bend the ears forward. This can be somewhat precarious if the patient is young, so a conversation with the child’s teachers or other supervisor is advisable.

There are few serious problems that arise from ear pinning. Occasionally, the surgeon may overcorrect the problem, leaving the ears too close to the head. The patient can have a reaction to the anesthesia. Blood clots can form in the ear, but these can be removed. One final concern is infection to the area of operation. This can lead to heavy buildup of scar tissue, which may require antibiotics.

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