For some people, protruding ears may be a facial feature that they’re not fully comfortable with, and in some cases, even causes major discomfort and anxiety.
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, is an excellent way to address this issue and can help bring symmetry and balance to the face in a natural-looking way.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Bosbous performs otoplasty on patients in different age groups with varying levels of protrusion or asymmetry, delivering peace of mind that only complete comfort with your body can bring.
In this article, we’ll discuss ideal candidates for the procedure, what otoplasty entails, and an approximation of the recovery timeline.
Who is considered a good candidate for otoplasty?
If you feel a high level of discomfort with protruding or prominent ears, abnormalities in ear shape or symmetry, such as stretched, torn, or sagging earlobes, you might be a perfect candidate for otoplasty.
The procedure is also suitable for children, but they should generally be at least five years old, healthy without any major illness, and able to communicate with staff for instructions or any objections the patient might have.
Teenagers and adults must meet basic health requirements as well, such as not having any medical conditions that hinder proper healing. Smokers also must stop the habit before surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts around one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Surgeons typically use general anaesthesia and release otoplasty patients from the hospital on the same day.
To correct protruding ears, surgeons commonly make an incision behind the ear, reshape the cartilage, position the ear closer to the head, and then secure it with permanent stitches.
For torn earlobes, on the other hand, the procedure is much simpler and can be performed at a medical provider’s office. The surgeon will use a local anesthetic and correct the tear with sutures.
There are different techniques and approaches to otoplasty depending on your specific concern and desired results. You and your surgeon will ultimately sit down and discuss what makes the most sense for you.
What does recovery look like?
It’s important to keep in mind that the exact timeline will vary from patient to patient depending on the scope of the treatment.
Right after surgery, you may feel swollen, itchy and uncomfortable, which may last for a few days or up to two weeks. It’s extremely important that at this time you follow your doctor’s instructions for care.
Those may involve things like an antibiotic ointment that wards off infections, a headband to hold your ears in place while you’re sleeping, and more.
Additionally, there are certain items that you can purchase to make initial recovery more comfortable, such as loose button-down shirts or a travel neck pillow that will keep your head steady when sleeping.
After the initial two weeks are over, most of the pain and discomfort will be gone. It takes around six weeks for your wounds to fully heal, and for incisions to start maturing and fading.
While results are noticeable immediately, the incision site may take up to 12 months to fully fade.
Next steps
The surgeon you choose to work with for your otoplasty can make a significant difference in your final results. You’ll want someone qualified and experienced, but also someone who takes the time to listen to your concerns.
That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Bosbous, a leading plastic surgeon in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. With decades of experience under his belt, he works closely with patients to ensure they feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the process.
If protruding ears are something you or your child have been concerned about lately, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bosbous. During this visit, he’ll walk you through the risks and benefits, explain the recovery process, and help set realistic expectations. Click here to book a consultation today.