Adult Otoplasty Ear Pinning Surgery Is On the Rise
Love Your Ears with Otoplasty Ear Pinning Surgery
Otoplasty surgery is performed to change the shape, position, protrusion or size of the ears. The most common type of otoplasty surgery is “ear pinning surgery” to correct ears that protrude excessively.
Many famous and attractive people have protruding ears and choose to do nothing about it. President Barack Obama comes to mind as an example of a handsome, confident, and obviously successful man with ears that protrude “more than normal.” Actors Will Smith and Kristen Steward also have protruding ears, as do athletes Michael Phelps and Deion Sanders.
However, if you are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or protrusion of your ears otoplasty can help you become more comfortable with your appearance. Birmingham, MI board-certified plastic surgeon has performed hundreds of otoplasty surgeries. In this article, we discuss what you need to know when considering ear plastic surgery.
Who Gets Otoplasty Surgery?
Ear pinning plastic surgery is the most common type of otoplasty surgery. However, individuals with deformities of the ear due to a birth defect or an accident or injury also may undergo otoplasty to repair the exterior of the ear.
Traditionally otoplasty has been most often performed on children – from age 6 to middle school age – once their ears become fully formed. Otoplasty for ear pinning and other ear defects can help children avoid bullying and feel more self-confident.
However, adults can also choose to have otoplasty surgery if they are bothered by how far their ears stick out from their head – or if their ear or ears are misshapen due to an injury or congenital defect.
Adult Otoplasty Ear Pinning Surgery on the Rise
In the past few years, adult otoplasty ear pinning surgery has grown in popularity. While one would expect plastic surgery procedures to decline during the pandemic, the opposite is true.
Covid-19 face masks may be one reason that there has been a sharp increase in adult otoplasty surgery since the pandemic. Face masks awkwardly tug and pull on even the smallest of ears. So, people with distended ears may be even more aware and bothered by how much their ears protrude when constantly looping masks around them.
Additionally, the up-close-and-personal focus on one’s face during Zoom calls, virtual meetings, and FaceTime because of social distancing may also contribute to the rise in adult otoplasty patients in 2021 and 2022.
What To Expect During Otoplasty Surgery
Otoplasty is a fairly routine surgical procedure. Typically, otoplasty can be done with local anesthesia and “twilight” sedation that puts the patient in a light sleep without knocking them out. In cases requiring more extensive reconstruction of the ear, otoplasty may be performed under general anesthesia.
The otoplasty surgical technique that is used will depend upon what kind of correction is needed. Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed hundreds of otoplasty surgeries on children and adults. He will explain the procedure that is best for you, including the location of the incisions, etc.
After making the necessary incisions, excess cartilage or skin may be removed. The cartilage is then repositioned into the proper place and secured with internal stitches. Additional external stitches will then be used to close the incisions.
Otoplasty surgery typically only takes about two hours and patients go home the same day. They will need someone to drive them home as they will be groggy from the anesthetic.
Recovery After Otoplasty Surgery
After otoplasty surgery the ears will be covered in bandages to provide both protection and support for the new positioning. Patients will typically feel some discomfort and itching for a few days, but pain medication will be prescribed to ensure patient comfort.
Otoplasty patients need to keep pressure off of the ears, including avoiding sleeping on one’s side. Do not to rub the incision – and wear button-down shirts or pajamas to avoid tugging on the ears with the collar of a pullover shirt.
At a follow up appointment a few days after otoplasty surgery, the bandages will be removed. The ears may still be swollen and red, which is perfectly normal. Patients may be given a loose headband that covers the ears to wear at night for a few weeks, to help prevent pulling the ears forward when rolling over in bed.
Some stitches will dissolve on their own, while others may need to be removed in the doctor’s office. Our Birmingham, MI plastic surgery staff will provide you with instructions on when you may resume regular daily activities, such as bathing and physical activity.
Otoplasty “Ear Pinning” Surgery | Birmingham, MI
If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your ears – or you are the parent of child with protruding or misshapen ears – schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI today.
Whether you are six or sixty, otoplasty surgery can “pin” your ears more closely to your head and/or repair other cosmetic issues, so you love the way look!
