Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape the ears to develop a more appealing and proportionate facial appearance. The surgeon may employ various surgical techniques to perform the ear reshaping surgery. The procedural steps can differ slightly on the basis of the technique used.
During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about the ear surgery and the steps involved in the procedure. The patient should freely ask the surgeon any questions that they may have regarding the procedure or the surgeon’s background to make a well-informed choice.
Accomplished board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide otoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations in the splendid state of Texas.
Anesthesia
Most otoplasty procedures will be relatively less invasive and require only local anesthesia with sedation for an adult patient. However, in the case of children, the surgeon will usually perform this procedure under general anesthesia.
An anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist will administer the general anesthesia and will remain in attendance throughout the procedure to monitor the patient’s reaction to the anesthetic. Ear pinning surgery typically takes less than two hours to complete.
Incision and Cartilage Reshaping
The surgeon will commence the ear reshaping cosmetic surgery procedure after the anesthesia by placing an incision behind the ear. They will place this incision inconspicuously to ensure that any future scarring is minimally visible. The incision will expose the ear cartilage to enable the surgeon to reshape it properly.
The surgeon will reshape the cartilage precisely and delicately to improve the proportion and symmetry of the ears. In case the ears are oversized, a significant amount of cartilage may be taken out. The surgeon will remove the loose skin using the same incisions.
Ear Repositioning
In case the ear is quite protuberant, the surgeon will need to reposition it closer to the sides of the head after reshaping the cartilage. This is known as ear pinning.
This step will usually involve cartilage sparing and scoring techniques along with skin removal from the back of the ear. The surgeon will individualize the techniques to attain the desired shape and position of the ears in the least invasive manner possible.
Incision Closure
After the reshaping is complete, the surgeon will use removable or traditional sutures to seal the incisions. They will wrap the incision area in bandages temporarily.
Outpatient Procedure
After the surgery is complete, the patient will be moved to a recovery area. They may be able to return home in a few hours after the initial effects of the anesthesia and surgery have subsided.
The patient should have a responsible person to drive them back home after the procedure. In case the patient is a child, the surgeon may require them to stay at the hospital overnight for close observation.
Otoplasty may involve additional steps if it is a reconstructive ear procedure to address a birth defect or repair injuries such as burns, lacerations, or torn and infected piercings.
Experienced cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and other towns and cities in The Lone Star State for otoplasty.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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