Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, refers to the correction of protruding ears to bring them closer to the head. In this procedure, the cartilage is treated in a controlled manner and its position is shaped with sutures.

Protruding ears are a congenital aesthetic condition in which the upper part of the ear typically protrudes, making the ears stick out. Whereas the upper part of the ear typically protrudes from the skull by about 1.7-2.1 centimeters, protruding ears can protrude from the skull by 3-4 centimeters.

Our ears continue to grow throughout our lives, right up until old age. If necessary, the ear lobes can be reduced in size, either the entire ear lobe or just the earlobe. Holes left by stretching jewelry can also be surgically repaired to be virtually invisible.

To whom is surgery suitable for?

Protruding ear surgery is suitable for people who feel that their ears stick out too much. Often, the structure and shape of the ear are normal, but the ear sticks out significantly from the skull. Protruding ears are always associated with a structural abnormality of the ear cartilage.

How should I prepare for the surgery and follow-up care?

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and you can go home immediately after the surgery. The surgical scar will be hidden behind the ear.

The stitches are usually removed one week after the surgery. The support bandage is worn day and night for the first week, after which it is worn at night for three weeks. Depending on the nature of your work, you can return to work immediately if the support bandage does not interfere with your work.

After surgery, the ear area will be swollen and may be painful and blue in color. However, regular anti-inflammatory medication will help with the pain.

The most common problems associated with otoplasty are stitches protruding from behind the ear and re-curling of the tip of the ear. Protruding stitches can be removed, but curling requires a new surgery and usually trimming of the upper part of the ear. Approximately 5 percent of corrected protruding ears lose their new position, and the situation must be corrected with a new procedure.

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The price of the procedure includes one follow-up visit to the doctor and any necessary stitch removal/wound care visits.