Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Pinning?

No one should feel self-conscious about their ears, making otoplasty procedures a popular cosmetic procedure for those who have insecurities about their ears. Ear pinning surgery or otoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape and contour of the ears. Ear correction surgery is most commonly performed on protruding ears that stick out from the head or that appear too large. During your initial otoplasty consultation, we will look over your medical history, examine your ears, give a detailed explanation of what to expect, and also answer any questions you may have. At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, our staff has found that, in the majority of cases, clients need ear surgery on both sides to achieve a more symmetrical and pleasing result. Once fully healed, prominent ears will appear much less significant.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

• Patients Age 5 or Older. Age 5 is when the auricle has reached 90% adult size.
• Nonsmokers. Smokers need to hold off nicotine for one month before and after the procedure. Nicotine decreases the blood supply to the skin, which is a very important part of the healing process.
• Patients in Overall Good Health.
• Patients Not on Blood Thinners. Or those who have received clearance from their physician to stop taking their blood thinners for one week before surgery.
• Patients With Realistic Expectations Regarding Otoplasty or the Procedure.
• Patients Who Can Follow Post-Op Directions. After cosmetic ear surgery, you will be in a head wrap for several days and will have limited activity while ear cartilage settles. A child will need to avoid contact sports for a couple of months, so summer vacation works well. Adults would also have to make adjustments at work due to swelling and being on pain medication.

OTOPLASTY 101

Ear pinning or otoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape and can correct protruding ears by bringing them closer to the head. The surgery is most commonly performed on ears that protrude from the head or that appear too large, but can also be used as reconstructive surgery after repeated trauma or ear infections. At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, our surgeons have found that, in the majority of cases, clients need surgery on both ears to achieve a more symmetrical and pleasing result. Once the ears have healed, they are in a more normal position that compliments the patient’s appearance.

For adults, a typical recovery time off of work is usually around one week. However, more physically demanding jobs may require more time off work or modified responsibilities upon returning to work. Children will need to avoid contact sports for a couple of months following an otoplasty procedure to avoid harming their ear folds.

Boost Your Self-Confidence Today

Have people mocked the shape of your ears for ages? Are you sick and tired of feeling self-conscious about your ears? Then otoplasty might be just the procedure you have been looking for. If you would like to learn more, consider making an appointment with Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO. Dr. Humphrey would love to help you rebuild your confidence.