Otoplasty
Otoplasty
Also known as Ear Pinning
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is most commonly performed between five and fourteen years of age in children. In fact, ear pinning is one cosmetic surgery where “earlier is better” because of the potential for psychological damage to a child’s self-esteem. The optimal time for performing otoplasty in children is just before they start school, or at about the age of five, when the ear is over 85% of the adult size.
What to expect during the Otoplasty procedure?
Bilateral otoplasty usually takes about two hours. After 12 to 13 years of age unless there are special circumstances, otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with or without oral sedation, in an office setting, in a minor operating room. In most cases, surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Correcting Ears that Stick Out
The first problem associated with the prominent ear is the relative absence of the superior crus of the
The most common surgical correction for this problem is the “
Correcting the Oversized Conchal Bowl
The second problem associated with the prominent ear, which is often overlooked, is the relative oversized and deep conchal bowl. The conchal bowl is the deep central area of the ear, just behind the ear canal. The ‘Concha’, as it’s
The concha of the ear is an irregular hemispheric bowl with a defined rim. The normal
What to expect during the recovery for the Otoplasty procedure?
A gentle pressure dressing is placed on the head to provide slight pressure on the ears and maintain their new position as well as to minimize swelling and excessive fluid accumulation beneath the skin. This dressing will be removed in 5-7 days. All incisions are closed with stitches that dissolve and don’t have to be removed. Patients can wash their hair as soon as your head dressing is removed. A comfortable cloth band or hat is worn to train the ears to remain close to the side of the head ideally for 6 weeks or a minimum of 10 days.
To find out more about available treatments and procedures, request a consultation with Dr. Moulton-Barrett at one of his Bay Area offices. Board certified plastic surgeon Rex Moulton-Barrett, M.D., offers advanced care and procedures for Bay Area residents. He has offices in Alameda and Brentwood, CA.
COSMETIC PROCEDURES
Our Clinics
Alameda Clinic
2070 Clinton Ave
Fourth Floor
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone (510) 864-1800
Brentwood Clinic
1280 Central Blvd
Suite J-5
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone (925) 240-8775
ALAMEDA OFFICE
BRENTWOOD OFFICE
Alameda Location
2070 Clinton Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
510-864-1800
Brentwood Location