Otoplasty (Ears)
EAR SETBACK (PINNING)
Outstanding ears can be corrected in a surgical procedure called an Otoplasty. Your surgeon will assess the amount of setback required and tailor the surgical approach accordingly. In children, often suture reshaping of the immature cartilage is sufficient, but in adults, the mature cartilage is less amenable to suture reshaping and sometimes some degree of removal, reshaping or scoring of the cartilage is necessary.
An incision is made behind the ear where it meets your scalp, and a combination of minimal cartilage removal, permanent buried suture placement, and skin removal is performed. Compression dressings are placed and left clean and dry for a few days postoperatively.
While the results of the operation are sometimes dramatic, mild asymmetries are expected. Both ears are not alike even in the natural state. Frequently, they are not set at the same distance from the scalp and they sit at different positions on the head. Small differences do not defeat successful improvement since both ears are rarely seen at the same time. Every effort is made to obtain the best possible symmetry.
In adults, otoplasty is not covered by the provincial medical insurance plan.
SUMMARY
Anesthesia
General or monitored
Length
Approximately 1-2 hours
Candidates
Those with structural defects to their ears
Those with previous sports or other injuries to their ears
Those with realistic expectations
Risks
Pain, hematoma, infection, asymmetry, persistent numbness, adverse scarring, healing delay, cauliflower ear (otitis externa)
Recovery
Light duties: 1-2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4-6 weeks. A sports band or bandeau will need to be worn for approximately 4 weeks.
Final Appearance
6 weeks
Duration Results
Permanent