Procedure Information: Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

Ear surgery, ear pinning, or otoplasty, is most commonly done to situate prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of big ears.  When ears display excessive protrusion out to the sides (termed “prominent” or “protuberant” ear), otoplasty is performed.   Congenital misshapened cartilage is generally the cause of protruding ears.

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is one of the few cosmetic procedures done on children and is most often done on those children who have been teased for having big ears and who are suffering from self esteem issues because of it, although it can be performed on adults as well.  The surgery is done using outpatient general anesthesia.  Otoplasty surgery changes the cartilage framework by increasing the antihelical fold which is just inside the rim of the ear, and reducing the enlarged conchal cartilage which is the deepest concavity of the  ear.  The incision is hidden by placing it behind the ear.  Internal non- removable sutures are used to secure the cartilage.

After otoplasty surgery, the patient awakens with a bulky head-wrapping  for a dressing.  This is to be kept in place and dry for one week.  Early redness and swelling are to be expected.  It is helpful to wear a tennis headband for protection when sleeping.  During the the first several months, slight relaxation or partial reprojection of the ears is very common.

We invite and encourage you to view our before and after otoplasty pictures on this website.