When should you consider ear pinning?
Disproportionately shaped or protruding ears can cause significant anxiety and stress, especially in children. In both adults and children, ear surgery is a solution that can correct this problem and restore self-confidence.
What is ear pinning?
Ear pinning, also known as ear correction, otoplasty or otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can change the shape and position of the ears. Various problems can be treated, including protruding ears and deformed cartilage.
Earlobe correction
Although earlobe corrections can be part of traditional otoplasty, they can also be performed for completely different indications related to age or trauma. In such cases, the surgical goal may be either to correct enlarged and sagging earlobes or to repair enlarged and torn earrings and piercing holes. Refining the shape and texture of the earlobes results in balanced facial aesthetics.
Who is suitable for this operation?
As a rule, ear pinning is performed on adults and on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Since the ears are almost fully developed by the age of 4, earlier surgery minimizes the risk of teasing that the child may experience at school. As a rule, it is the child who expresses the desire for an aesthetic correction. Ear correction is also possible for adults without significantly increasing the associated risks for healthy older patients.
Your consultation
The first step if you are considering ear correction is to schedule a consultation. At this appointment we will discuss your medical history, current health and medications. A thorough examination of your ears will be performed to determine the best options for you. Your expectations will be openly discussed and we will ensure you are fully informed before making a decision. You will be informed about the procedure, its limitations and risks, and will have the opportunity to discuss your needs and concerns. Your medical history will be carefully and specifically reviewed to identify possible risks of complications such as bleeding. It is important that you provide complete information about your medical history, including allergies, previous surgeries, current medications and dietary supplements.
Your operation
We can use various techniques for ear pinning. A common method is to make a hidden incision behind the ear to access the cartilage. This incision corrects the insufficient or missing fold in the upper part of the ear. A small piece of skin is removed, the cartilage is reshaped and secured with sutures. Sometimes a small piece of ear cartilage is removed. Asymmetries are corrected as much as possible during the procedure. In select cases where only rotation of the ear without reshaping is required, a less invasive approach may be used. This technique results in less swelling and bruising and a shorter recovery time. Alternatively, in cases where only reshaping of a specific part of the ear and no rotation is required, an anterior approach with minimal dissection may be chosen. This shortens the operation time. The scar is elegantly hidden in a shadowed area of the ear and no skin is removed during this procedure. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the ear correction usually takes between one and two hours. After the procedure, in most cases dressings are applied that are gently wrapped around the head for the first night. A protective headband is then worn to protect the ears.
Recovery and result
Recovery from ear pinning is quick and involves moderate pain compared to other cosmetic procedures. During the first week, a headband is sometimes worn around the clock or often only at night to protect the healing ears, depending on the surgical technique. The headband is then usually worn at night for another three weeks. The sutures are usually removed after a week, although redness, swelling and bruising can be expected for a few weeks. The pain can be effectively treated with a long-term nerve block in addition to prescribed painkillers such as ibuprofen. You can usually resume normal activities within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Smoking and certain medications should be avoided to optimise healing. Once the swelling goes down, you will see the full results. If you would like to learn more about ear pinning, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information. The satisfaction and trust of my patients are my top priority and I strive to achieve long-lasting and beautiful results !