What is Ear Pinning?

Ear pinning or otoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape and contour of the ears. The surgery is most commonly performed on protruding ears, misshapen ears, or prominent ear shapes that appear too large. At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, Dr. Humphrey has found that, in the majority of cases, clients need cosmetic ear surgery on both ears to achieve a more symmetrical and pleasing result. Once the ears have healed, they are in a more normal ear position that complements the client’s appearance.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking to correct prominent ears or other ear deformities:

• Improvement in appearance: The procedure can reposition the ears for a more balanced and natural look that complements the rest of the facial features.
• Boost in self-esteem and confidence: For many patients, correcting prominent ears can help them feel more comfortable in social situations.
• Relief from discomfort or functional issues: The procedure can address problems related to the ear’s shape and structure, improving comfort in daily activities.

Otoplasty Procedure

Typically performed under general anesthesia, otoplasty surgery begins with a discreet incision made in the posterior skin behind the ear. Through this incision, we carefully sculpt or reposition the ear cartilage using specialized surgical techniques, such as cartilage scoring or removal, to achieve the desired shape.

In some cases, ear augmentation or ear reconstruction may be necessary to restore or enhance the ear’s appearance. Once the adjustments are complete, the incision is closed and the ears are bandaged to support healing.

Types of Ear Correction

There are several surgical options available to address different ear concerns, each tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals:

• Ear pinning surgery is the most common procedure for correcting prominent ears, involving the reshaping or repositioning of ear cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head.
• For those with large ears, ear reduction can decrease the size of the ear for a more proportionate look.
• In cases where the ear is underdeveloped or missing, ear reconstruction uses cartilage grafts or other materials to rebuild the ear’s structure.

Each type of ear correction has its own benefits and considerations, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.

Can I See Cosmetic Ear Surgery Before and After Pictures of People Who Underwent This Surgical Technique?

During your consultation visit, Dr. Humphrey will show you pictures of patients who have undergone ear correction surgery before and after. You will be able to see firsthand the difference the outpatient outer ear procedure made for these people.

What is the average cost of Correcting Prominent Ears? Is there a charge for the reconstructive surgery consultation?

The price of to correct protruding ears with otoplasty (ear pinning) varies for each person. The cost depends on the extent of surgery necessary to achieve your individual appearance goal.

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Humphrey is superb! He did a great job, Im very very pleased with the results! He took the time to answer any and all questions before and after the surgery. Anna is very helpful and informative. Everyone at HPHS is very nice and helpful. The nurses and staff in the surgery center are great. Everyone made me feel at ease. I recommend Dr Humphrey for your tummy tuck! I cant wait til summer so I can rock that bikini ;-)in HAWAII.”

“Wonderful experience. Would definitely recommend it, they went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable, and even when I had an emergency regarding finances due to my bank they made it a point to stay open later than they had to until I had it straightened out. They make sure that you understand everything that it is done and it’s a huge confidence booster!”

“The staff is always very friendly. Dr. Humphrey was great as a surgeon and made me feel very comfortable the whole time. If I had to have another procedure, I would definitely go back to Heartland Plastic surgery.”

Will insurance cover any of my otoplasty fees? Do you have financing available?

Otoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure that is not covered by commercial insurance companies. We accept several types of payment options. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express), money orders, cashier checks, and financing with an outside agency. Since cosmetic surgery is not covered by commercial insurance, the procedure must be paid in full before surgery. Make sure you have financing arrangements in place prior to surgery.

At what age will you accept a patient for an otoplasty procedure?

If the patient is a child, we usually like for the child to be of school age (5 years) before scheduling a consultation. We will talk to the patient directly and find out the reason why they are pursuing the surgery. At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, we want the final decision for surgery to be made by the patient and not by a family member.

Is there a better time of year to have cosmetic ear surgery performed?

You should make it a time when you can allow yourself time to heal. After an otoplasty, you will be in a head wrap for several days and will have limited activity. 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. The average time off work for this procedure is a week, but more physically demanding jobs may require more time off.

Additional Procedures

• Brow Lift
• Eyelid Surgery
• Facelift
• Necklift
• Rhinoplasty

Do I have to stop smoking before an otoplasty procedure?

Yes, Dr. Humphrey requires the patient to stop smoking one month before surgery and one month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products decreases the blood supply to the skin, and blood supply is important to the healing process. We also require patients to eliminate secondhand exposure to all tobacco and marijuana products for the same duration.

Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?

To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners and vitamin E at least two weeks before and after surgery. If you are on prescription blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family physician as well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before surgery and one week following.

At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, cosmetic surgeries are elective procedures. Therefore, the patient must be in overall good health before the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may be required.

I’d like more information. What should I do next?

At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, J. Stewart Humphrey, MD is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He offers plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston. Heartland Plastic Surgery is located 4 miles from Downtown Cape Girardeau and 72 miles from Paducah, KY. Your next step is to contact the Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery office today to schedule your initial otoplasty consultation. Before your visit, please write down all your questions and concerns and bring them to your consultation so your surgeon can address them. Call us today at (888) 515-2847. Make this appointment now!

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

DR. J. STEWART HUMPHREY

Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard for plastic surgery certification in the United States. Dr. Humphrey…

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