The Problem

Many people with overly large ears, especially children, suffer with self-esteem issues because of cruel jokes and comments. Ears that stick out widely are hard to hide and an easy target for playground jokes. While there is no easy way to regain self-confidence, plastic surgery has discovered a way to help. It is called ear pinning or Otoplasty.

The Surgery

Otoplasty is the process of pinning the ears closer to the head, creating less protuberance and less cause for ridicule. During the surgery, a cosmetic surgeon makes an incision behind the ear in the crease between the ear and head. Some of the cartilage and skin is removed and the remaining cartilage is shaped to make an aesthetically pleasing form. The surgeon then stitches the skin back up, leaving the ears much flatter against sides of the head and in better proportion to the face.

Ear pinning can be performed basically any time after the ears reach their full size, which is generally after a child reaches five or six years old. Many people have otoplasty in adulthood, but plenty of concerned parents bring in their children for surgery during their school years. In fact, the ears are actually more pliable and moldable in the younger days, so childhood otoplasty will likely produce the best results. Parents should always consider the best interest of their children though, especially the child's willingness to undergo the surgery.

The surgery can take place in either an outpatient facility or in a hospital setting and usually only takes two hours or less. The anesthesia involved is usually local anesthesia plus mild sedatives for adults and teens, while young children typically need general anesthesia.

Otoplasty is not generally covered by health insurance policies as it is considered purely cosmetic in nature.

The risks associated with ear pinning are rare but they include heavy bleeding, thick scarring, and infection. In extremely rare cases, otoplasty patients can experience numbness and hematoma. There is also a small risk that the sutures could break or the surgeon creates asymmetrical ears. Finding an experienced, competent plastic surgeon will significantly reduce the risks of dissatisfaction with the procedure.

The Recovery

Recovery from ear surgery involves some pain and discomfort. This can usually be easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain killers. There may be swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the surgical site, all within the normal side effect range of any procedure. Typically the cosmetic surgeon will recommend the use of ear bandages for several days and sometimes he or she will require the use of special headbands to keep the ears in place for one or two weeks. As with any surgery, there will be some scarring, but this is generally just a single line that is easily concealed in the natural ear crease. It will also fade over time so that it is barely noticeable.

Overall, ear pinning is a very safe procedure that can effectively and simply improve the facial appearance and even boost self-esteem. When patients have realistic expectations the surgery can be very successful and satisfying.