Ear pinning in Seattle
Pinning back the ears is known as an otoplasty, or pinnaplasty. It’s usually carried out on children and young teenagers, although adults may wish to have it done, too.
An otoplasty isn’t suitable for children younger than five as their ears will still be growing and developing.
Most people are happy with the results of an otoplasty, and generally it’s a safe procedure. But it can be expensive and there are still risks to consider.
What does the surgery involve?
Ear surgery usually takes about two hours although complicated procedures may take longer.
It generally involves:
- making one small cut (incision) behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage
- removing small pieces of cartilage if necessary
- scoring and stitching the remaining structure into the desired shape and position
Or, you may be offered a newer technique that involves scoring the cartilage through the ear skin using a needle. No incision is made, but there’s not much good evidence about the long-term quality or safety of this method.
The operation involves the removal of small amounts of skin from behind the ear and the adjustment of the ear cartilage in order to reduce its tendency to spring back to its original position. Permanent stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape of the cartilage.
The operation produces a curved scar behind the ear that usually heals well and fades after a few months.
Results
During the first few days after surgery, your ears may be sore and tender or numb. You may have a slight tingling sensation for a few weeks.
You may need to wear a bandage around your head for the first few days to protect your ears from infection. You won’t be able to wash your hair during this time.
Within 5 to 10 days: Stitches are removed (unless they were dissolvable stitches) and any bandage would probably come off.
After a week or two: Most children would be able to return to school.
After eight weeks: Swimming should be OK.
After 12 weeks: Contact sports should be OK.
Ear pinning Testimonials
I recently had a breast augmentation and lift done 3 months ago with Dr. Megan Dreveskracht at La belle Vie. From my consultation to my 3 month post op check both Dr and staff have been great! Front office super friendly, compassionate and personable. Clinical staff was friendly and thorough i felt safe and in good hands. I was extremely nervous since I had never had surgery before so I did not know what to expect but everyone made me feel super comfortable once I was in the operating room. Dr. Dreveskracht was amazing she answered all of my questions, checked in on me the same night as my surgery and was prompt in her responses to all of my texts and emails while I was in recovery. I am very happy with the outcome and cannot wait to see the end result when everything is done healing. Thank you La Belle Vie team!!!
Dr. Dreveskracht was amazing start to finish. She was so informative, warm, friendly and made me feel very comfortable going forward with the procedure. So much that I cancelled my other consultations because I knew she was the one I had to have. She even personally called to check up on me later that evening to make sure I was well. Highly recommend her to any of my friends.
I deeply value Dr. Dreveskracht’s expertise and down-to-earth personality.