A Result Of Development
Otoplasty, or ear pinning is the reshaping of the ear. Ears that are disproportionately large or small, asymmetrical, abnormal since birth, overly protruding or have been injured in an accident, are all treatable through otoplasty. Often this procedure is done in children to correct abnormalities but can be done in most adults who's features have become more pronounced as a result of development.
A Natural Shape
Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed on the outer ear to reshape and correct protruding ears or ear abnormalities. Your surgeon may remove cartilage and skin behind your ears and use permanent sutures under the skin to pin back your ears. Most patients seek ear pinning surgery for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. The goal of any otoplasty is to give the ears a natural shape that is balanced and proportional to the rest of the face.
The reshaping of the ear is a highly personal procedure and is tailored and individualized to the patient’s wishes. Due to the highly visible nature of ears, the results of even slight correction can have a major effect on a patient’s feelings toward their appearance. Otoplasty rarely has any effect on hearing and is performed almost exclusively for cosmetic reasons.
The Right Fit For You
Otoplasty is an effective procedure for both children and adults. Children who are excellent otoplasty candidates have a healthy medical history free of serious illness or chronic ear infections. They can verbalize their feelings, willing to undergo the surgery, have stable ear cartilage, and are at least five years old. Adult candidates should also be free of serious medical conditions, avoid smoking, and have a solid understanding of the procedure and its risks.
Otoplasty Procedure
Depending on the severity of the ear surgery, a local or general anesthetic will be administered to ensure the patient's comfort. To begin your otoplasty Washington DC plastic surgeon Dr. Feledy or Dr. Maiorino will make an incision on the the back side of the ear, from which they can add, remove or reshape the ear cartilage. Any frontal incisions are made within the natural folds of the ear to hide the incision lines. Internal sutures are added to hold the reshaped cartilage in place and the incisions are closed with external sutures.
What happens after the procedure?
The ears will be bandaged following your ear pinning surgery and there may be some pain that can be treated with prescription medication. Itchiness is frequent but it is imperative that the bandages not be removed or the area scratched as this may damage the corrected area and require revision surgery. The results should be immediate. You will be asked to wear a head band for several weeks to allow the ears to heal in their new position. Typically Washington DC otoplasty patients notice results improve over time.
Risks of the otoplasty procedure are infrequent but include skin irregularities, scarring, pain, sensation changes, asymmetry, infection, bleeding and poor wound healing. Any of these complications may lead to the need for revision surgery.
Schedule your consultation today
The surgeons at Belmont Plastic Surgery are here to help you take the next step on your aesthetic journey. Whether you want to restore what has been lost or improve upon what you already have, our surgeons will help you make the best possible choices for your care and deliver excellent results. Every day is an opportunity to live a more beautiful life. Seize your opportunity today with a consultation at Belmont Plastic Surgery.
5530 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 818, Chevy Chase MD 20815
