Ear Pinning – Otoplasty
Ears which protrude can be a contributing factor to loss of self-confidence and in children the subject of being teased. Otoplasty aims to reshape the ears by curling the outer rims, reduce by removal of the cartilage and reposition so that they protrude less. The ear is usually 90% grown by age 7 and in cooperative children an otoplasty can be performed.
Most of the procedure is performed via an incision behind the ear. The cartilage is shaped and often reduced and attached to the side of the head using sutures. Surgical time can vary from 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on the complexity. General anaesthesia is commonly used, and recovery involves wearing a head garment and head band for 3-6 weeks. Recurrence requiring revision is one of the possible complications of the procedure.