Ear pinning surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to change the shape, position, or size of the ears. The procedure can ‘pin back’ ears that may protrude outwards or make other changes to the appearance of the ears.
Patients choose otoplasty as an elective procedure for a variety of personal reasons. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the common reasons for undergoing the procedure, what the surgery can achieve, and who makes a suitable candidate.
If you’re considering ear pinning surgery, we recommend discussing why you want to undergo the procedure with a qualified plastic surgeon. A surgeon can explain the changes that the procedure can make and assess your suitability for the procedure, which will ultimately determine if the procedure is the right choice for you.
What is ear pinning or otoplasty, and what changes can it make?
Ear pinning (or otoplasty) can surgically change the appearance of the ears by ‘pinning back’ protruding ears or adjusting ear cartilage. It is generally performed for aesthetic reasons as opposed to functional and can use a variety of techniques to achieve the results a patient realistically wants to achieve.
Otoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia. It requires incisions made in the appropriate areas – for ear pinning. Incisions are normally placed behind the ear. During the procedure, the surgeon will make adjustments to the ear cartilage, before suturing it in place. It usually takes about an hour to perform, but it can take longer, depending on the complexity. The procedure requires some recovery time, which patients can complete at home. Recovery after otoplasty will generally involve minimising physical activity, caring for the incision sites and avoiding smoking, alcohol and certain medications to support healing.
The procedure can change the position, shape, or size of the ears in a way that aligns with the patient’s preferences and individual features. It is a personalised surgery, so your surgeon will tailor the steps to realistically achieve the results you want. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby do not offer earlobe repairs for stretched, torn, or perforated earlobes.
Why do patients choose to undergo otoplasty?
Like with all elective surgeries that are performed to make aesthetic changes, the reasons that patients undergo ear pinning surgery are very personal and entirely depend on their personal preferences.
Some patients want to address protruding ears, while others want to change the size or shape of the ear. These features of the ear are generally unrelated to any functional concerns, so deciding whether or not to undergo the procedure is entirely up to the patient.
Some features of the ears that patients want to change have been present since birth, while others may have resulted from injuries or accidents. No matter the reason, patients should always have realistic expectations and consider all of the aspects of surgery before making their decision.
Patients can discuss their reasons for undergoing the procedure with their surgeon, which helps to create a suitable procedure plan, manage expectations, and determine whether they are happy to proceed.
Am I a suitable candidate for ear pinning?
It’s always important to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for any surgery before proceeding. By making sure that you are suitable for a procedure, your surgeon can minimise the risks associated with surgery.
When it comes to ear pinning surgery, candidates can generally be at any age, as the ears are normally fully developed by around five years old. Your surgeon will need to make sure that you’re in good general health and do not have medical conditions that may interfere with your body’s healing process after surgery. They will also need to assess the condition of your ears, making sure that you don’t have chronic ear infections or other conditions that can make the surgery more complex.
Before any cosmetic surgery, it’s normal for your surgeon to instruct you to quit smoking. Smoking can pose a number of risks to your body’s healing process after surgery, potentially delaying your healing and even increasing the chance of some complications occurring. If you need help quitting, you should mention this to your surgeon or speak to your general practitioner for advice.
It’s important for both adults and younger children undergoing the procedure to be able to follow preparation and recovery instructions. As with any surgery, closely following recovery advice can influence the success of the procedure, so surgeons should make sure that candidates understand what is involved during recovery and are willing to follow their instructions.
Another factor that influences a candidate’s suitability for otoplasty is having realistic expectations. As it is an aesthetic-based procedure, it’s essential to have a realistic view of what changes the procedure can achieve and how results may look after surgery. Your surgeon will do their best to explain what the procedure can realistically achieve and help you manage your expectations.
When you have your consultation with your surgeon, you should explain your reason for choosing otoplasty and the results you want to achieve. After assessing your ears, discussing health factors and outlining what the procedure involves, both you and your surgeon can decide if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery: Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne
Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, should always be performed by qualified and experienced surgeons. A certain level of skill and training is required to understand each patient’s needs, tailor the procedure steps to suit each patient, use the appropriate techniques, and minimise complications.
The Melbourne-based Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby are highly experienced, qualified and trained to perform a variety of procedures (including ear, nose, eyelid, face, breast and body procedures).
Committed to maintaining a high standard of care within the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery, surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery have taught courses, contributed to industry advancements and research, and presented at conferences around the world.
To arrange your consultation, please contact our team!
