Dr. Hall is an excellent surgeon! He performed my eyelid surgery last year. The results are extraordinary and I trust him implicitly. There is no other doctor in Gainesville that I would use.
-J.R.
Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
One of the most obvious needs for a plastic surgery procedure occurs when someone suffers from protruding ears. This can elicit hurtful nicknames during childhood that are long remembered into adulthood. Ear pinning, also known as otoplasty, can be performed at any age and is especially appropriate for children before reaching school age.
What is Ear Pinning?
Ear pinning describes the surgical process of correcting defects or deformations of the out ear. A facial plastic surgeon can reshape, augment, or contour the ear in order to achieve a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
The Process
Ear pinning surgery starts with an incision just behind the ear, right inside the natural fold where the ear meets the head. Skin and cartilage are removed and trimmed, if necessary. Once the cartilage has been shaped into the desirable form, the cartilage is pinned back with permanent sutures.
In some cases, it is not required to remove any skin or cartilage. The ears are merely pinned back with sutures until they heal into their new position.
The Recovery
Mild discomfort and swelling is extremely common immediately following surgery. Soft dressings are applied to the ears and are meant to remain only for the first few days. Side sleepers may need to change positions to avoid putting any pressure on the ears. Contact sports should be avoided until the ears are fully healed.
The Risks
Risks are quite minimal with ear pinning. Risk factors include infections, recurrence of the previous deformity, issues with healing, asymmetry. These are rare, however. Though there will be a permanent scar, it is hardly visible due to its location in a natural crease behind the ear.
The Cost
As with all plastic surgeries, the primary fees include those of the anesthesia, facility and the surgeon. Typical ear pinning costs fall in the range of $3,000 to $5,000.
The Candidates
This particular procedure is quite common among children but is also frequently performed on adults. Those suffering from confidence issues due to ear shape and position are great candidates as long as they are in good health overall.