Ear PinningAbout The Procedure
Ear Pinning is a form of ear surgery performed to set disproportionately large or prominent ears closer to the head. Too much cartilage in the concha, the bowl-shaped portion of the ear and lack of development of the natural folds of the ear (antihelix) are the usual causes of large, protruding ears.
Procedure Description
The most common Ear Pinning technique requires a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon then sculpts the cartilage and bends it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon removes a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Best Candidates for Ear Pinning Surgery
Candidates for Ear Pinning surgery must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
Length of the Procedure
Ear Pinning surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Ear Pinning surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia when is performed on young children or local anesthesia and sedative when performed on adults and older children.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Ear Pinning surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
Ear Pinning surgery may cause pain or throbbing in the ear, which should subside in a few days.
Recovery
After Ear Pinning surgery, patients are usually mobile within a few hours of surgery. The head will be wrapped in bulky bandages immediately following surgery, but within a few days these will be replaced with a lighter, headband-like dressing. Stitches are usually removed in about a week. Patients should avoid sleeping on their sides for a week or more so as to avoid putting pressure on the ears, as well as any activity that bends the ears for a month.
Duration of Results
Ear Pinning surgery results are permanent.
Risks
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area. Reoccurrence of the deformity may occur, requiring additional surgery.
Cost
Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for Ear Pinning surgery.
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