Otoplasty, ear pining surgery or plastic surgery for protruding ears is the correction of prominent or protruding ears, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures that is performed to correct abnormal appearance of the ears, usually present from birth.

 

What is the cause of protruding ears?

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There are several anatomical features that cause the protrusion of the ear. They are the lack of development or partial development of different structures like folds or valleys of the external ears (the helix and or antihelix –folds-, and or concha (valley or cup of the ear). In the majority of the patients there is a combination these finds. Otoplasty, ear pining surgery or plastic surgery for protruding ears corrects all these abnormal findings to recreate the normal looking ear.

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Because the young child cannot cooperate, and the fear of the operating room is often strong, Dr. James Long, MD recommends that otoplasty on children be performed under general anesthesia at the hospital.

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Otoplasty FAQ:

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How is Otoplasty performed?

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Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is usually performed using general anesthesia in children (since they cannot cooperate and they have fear of the operating room) In selected adult candidate patients, it is performed using a local anesthesia to numb the treated area while the patient remains awake.

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How is Otoplasty surgery performed?

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Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon and Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeon, Dr. James Long, MD will perform Otoplasty under anesthesia.

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Dr. James Long, MD will make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. Then he will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-absorbable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. In certain cases, Dr. Long will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. Once the surgery is completed, protective bulky dressings are placed in the ears. A lighter head dressing similar to a headband will be placed to keep the ear dressings in place. Patients are discharged home after recovering form anesthesia.

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How will I look after Otoplasty?

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Otoplasty with Board Certified Craniofacial and Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. James Long, MD is a safe and effective procedure that can enhance the confidence of the child or adult treated by freeing your child or you from the emotional burden of protruding ears. After your surgery with Dr. James Long, MD, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon also fellowship trained in Craniofacial Surgery, the structural appearance of your ears will be more balanced and proportional, giving your face a more distinct, symmetrically pleasing look.

 

Why not go to Internist, Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Dentist, Primary Care Physician and “cosmetologists” for facial implant face plastic surgery?

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Practitioners like Internist and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform otoplasty have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, etc.