Otoplasty Questions

Hartford, Greenwich, Waterbury, and Glastonbury, Connecticut

What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure for the reshaping of the ears. In most cases, ears are pulled closer to the head to make them less prominent for children who are likely to suffer teasing at school, which is why it is often referred to as "ear pinning."

When can an otoplasty procedure be performed?
Ear pinning can be performed at any age after the ears reach their full size, typically by age 6. The main limit is the maturity level of the child. Adults can also get ear pinning done if they feel uncomfortable with the size or shape of their ears.

How is otoplasty performed?
Most of the time, ear pinning is performed in our office under local anesthesia, but children that cannot sit still for the procedure may need to be sedated in a hospital setting. In an ear pinning procedure, the ear is folded forward to allow access to the cartilage that gives it its shape.  The cartilage is reshaped, sometimes permanent sutures are placed, and the ear is put back in place, using a mixture of permanent and dissolving sutures. Other deformities may require secondary incisions. All incisions are tiny and scars should be minor and will fade over time.

How long does an otoplasty procedure take?
Ear pinning takes about an hour per ear.

Will I need another otoplasty procedure?
Most ear pinning surgeries give good results and no further surgery is necessary. A small number of people (less than three percent) require a second ear pinning operation to get the results they desire. Once achieved, the results of ear pinning are permanent.

What is recovery from an otoplasty like?
People typically have very little discomfort from their ear pinning. You should count on taking some time off from work and restrict yourself from strenuous activities for up to a week.  You will wear dressings on your ears for 4-5 days, and you will wear a protective garment for another one to two weeks.

Children should be monitored to make sure they do not mess with the sutures. They should also avoid roughhousing and overexertion for a few weeks after surgery.

If you would like to learn more about ear pinning for you or your child, please call or email us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Foster at our Glastonbury, Waterbury, or Greenwich office.

Glastonbury, CT

Greenwich, CT

1625 Straights Turnpike/Suite 108
Middlebury, CT 06762

888-8CT-LIPO
(888-828-5476)