Ear Surgery (Pinnaplasty)

About the Procedure

When considering ear surgery for children, parents must have a positive attitude toward the surgery. Treacher-Collins syndrome is a condition that leads to defects of the face. Treacher Collins is caused by a defective protein called treacle. The condition is inherited and may vary in severity from generation to generation and from person to person. Symptoms include outer part of the ears that are abnormal or almost completely missing, and hearing loss. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help parents decide what is best for their child, not only cosmetically, but psychologically and physically. Timing is important. Having the procedure at a early age is beneficial because the cartilage is extremely pliable and permits better shaping and the child will experience psychological benefits from the improvement.

Pinnaplasty corrects the size and/or placement of ears that protrude from the head. Patients as young as four or five years old may be appropriate candidates for pinnaplasty. Another form of cosmetic ear surgery is known as otoplasty. It is a cosmetic surgery procedure that also reduces the size of large ears or pin back ears that protrude too far from the head. Also known as "ear pinning," this plastic surgery can greatly enhance a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

What to Know Before the Procedure

The surgeon will discuss the ear surgery, or pinnaplasty, conduct a thorough medical history and explain details such as anesthesia, surgical facility and costs. Typically, the surgery requires general anesthesia for children and a local anesthetic combined with a mild sedative for older children and adults. An otoplasty usually takes about two hours.

The surgeon starts with an incision behind the ear, in the natural fold, in the area where the ear is connected to the head. The surgeon removes, trims and shapes the cartilage and skin in this area. Then the surgeon pins the cartilage back with sutures. In some cases, the surgeon may not remove cartilage but instead use stitches to hold the cartilage in place.

What to Know After The Surgery

Bandages are applied to the ears for a few days. Some patients experience mild discomfort. Sleep patterns may need to be changed for a week because no pressure can be put on the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes needed to hold the ears in place for two weeks after the surgery. Risks are minimal. There will be a slight scar behind the ear after healing, which is barely visible due to its placement.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Successful cosmetic surgery happens as a result of good communication between patient and surgeon. Trust, realistic expectations and qualified medical expertise is crucial when considering otoplasty. Your surgeon should be able to answer specific questions about your ear surgery or pinnaplasty during consultation. This is why a skilled plastic surgeon is best for this type of procedure.

Surgical re-correction and complications of a pinnaplasty are rare, making this procedure a good choice for both domestic and international travel. If you choose to have this procedure done abroad be sure to discuss pre and post-operative care with your surgeon in detail. They will help you determine what steps need to be taken to properly care for the surgical incisions after returning to your home country. Follow-up visits with a local doctor may be necessary to monitor the healing process.