Beauty Doc Blog

Otoplasty, sometimes referred to as ear pinning, alters the ears by bringing them closer to the patient’s head. Ears can also be constructed to correct deformities or as reconstruction following an injury.

The Typical Patient

A common procedure for children, otoplasty patients are usually between the ages of 4 and 14, though many adults also undergo the procedure. Having the procedure at a younger age is beneficial for the patient because the ear cartilage is more pliable and easier to shape, and because the patient will experience less chance of psychological trauma due to teasing from peers.

A young child’s self-esteem may be adversely affected by the reactions of other children, making otoplasty one small change that can make a considerable difference in the life of the patient.

About the Procedure

One technique involves making an incision on the back side of the ear and reshaping the cartilage in order to allow the ear to rest closer to the head. This technique requires the patient to wear a compression headband for up to a week.

Another technique requires no incision be made in the ear, however this works best when very minor changes in the ear are desired.

The procedure is frequently done with local anesthetic to numb the ears, with the patient awake and listening to music, or under general anesthesia. The options should be discussed with your surgeon during consultation.

Patients should expect to leave the surgical dressing on overnight and change the dressing in the morning. Although pain is typically minimal, a pain reliever will probably be administered as well as an antibiotic to ward off infection.

It’s recommended to wear a sweatband on the ears during the day and a wrap at night for a while to relieve tension on the sutures. It also serves as a reminder for patients not to tug at their ears.

Risks You Should Know About

Risks associated with otoplasty, while rare, do include infection, bleeding, permanent or temporary numbness to ear or facial skin, scarring, or aesthetic results that the patient is simply not happy with. Initially, numbness and bruising are to be expected, and the bruising usually fades within a couple of weeks.

What it Costs

Otoplasty typically costs from $4,000 to $7,000. Medical insurance sometimes covers all or a portion of the expenses, depending on whether the procedure is deemed cosmetic or medically necessary. Your surgeon and your insurance plan administrator should be able to help you determine whether your insurance will provide financial assistance.