Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

What is Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)?

Otoplasty can address many ear problems with varying procedural details for each specific case. However, the most commonly performed otoplasty surgery is ear pinning aesthetics. In this case, the protrusion of the ears is corrected, bringing them closer to the head. To achieve this, the surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and removes small portions of the cartilage and/or reshapes the ear pinna with stitches. Then, stitches are placed to close the incisions and maintain the new shape. Ear reduction surgery is an effective and safe option for individuals who want to correct the shape and size of their ears. With the right surgical approach and appropriate recovery process, patients can achieve more aesthetic and balanced ears. This surgery can boost individuals’ self-confidence and help them feel better about themselves.

Usually, a few hours are sufficient to complete the surgery. On the other hand, it’s important to know that otoplasty has no effect on a person’s hearing ability. Additionally, otoplasty is used to treat the following problems, alongside ear pinning:

• Congenital ear defects
• Overly large ears (macrotia)
• Shape deformities observed due to damage in the ears

Protruding ears, which can be a problem for many people, can be easily corrected with the right techniques through a simple surgical operation with low risks in ear pinning treatment. It’s crucial for it to be performed by expert physicians.

In ear aesthetic surgery, local or general anaesthesia is preferred based on the surgeon’s recommendation and the patient’s condition. Depending on the operation required for the ear, it generally takes 45-90 minutes. Application can be made in front of or behind the ear. Necessary interventions are made to the ear cartilages to give the ear an appropriate shape and position it correctly.

Who is Ear Pinning Surgery for?

Regardless of age, it can be applied to anyone with ear pinning problems, whether in early or later years. During childhood, ear pinning surgery is recommended to be performed in the pre-school period to prevent negative effects on the child’s psychosocial well-being. The most important point here is for the ears to have completed their development before the surgery. Young patients have the advantage of more flexible and easier-to-operate ear cartilage. They also spend more time with their new appearance, eliminating the possibility of experiencing emotional distress.

People who undergo ear pinning surgery generally have complaints related to the shape of their ears. Quite successful results can be achieved with certain techniques when a person is bothered by the prominence and larger-than-normal size of their ears.

Does Ear Pinning Surgery Leave Scars?

The surgery is performed with incisions made behind the ear. Bandages and dressings should typically be used for a few days following the procedure, within the specified timeframe. Stitches are removed approximately one week later. This period is considered sufficient for patients to return to their normal activities after the procedure. Additional instructions for postoperative care will be provided to prevent potential ear damage.

Because aesthetic stitches are applied to the incisions, scars quickly lose their prominence after the first month. Scars are inevitable after each incision due to human biology, but in aesthetic ear surgeries, these scars are so close to the ear’s fold behind that they are not visible under normal circumstances.

Although redness, sensitivity, and swelling may occur in the area where the ear pinning surgery is performed, these symptoms typically subside quickly. Existing stitch marks behind the ear significantly decrease by the end of the first month. With the help of healing creams, generally, within 6 months, the scar becomes a thin line.

What Should Be Considered After Ear Pinning Surgery?

For the first 2 days after surgery, sleeping with your head elevated above heart level will reduce swelling. There is no problem with bathing after the bandages are removed, but the area behind the ear should not be left wet after bathing. Creams recommended by your doctor should be used on the scar areas as prescribed. This will prevent scar formation. Although the bandages are removed after the first 3 days, it is important to wear them at night, especially during the first week, to protect the ears and prevent them from opening while sleeping. The first dressing done during surgery is checked at the time your doctor specifies. After checking the dressing, bandages are applied according to your doctor’s recommendations. Avoid heavy sports activities for 2 months after surgery. During this period, walking and light-paced sports activities can be done unless they strain the ears. Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can cause tissue circulation disorders and increase the likelihood of negative outcomes such as infection, wound separation, and thick scar formation that disrupt wound healing. It is necessary to protect the ear from impacts.

Ear Surgery Procedure

Otoplasty includes procedures such as reducing the size of the ear/earlobe and correcting cauliflower ear by removing excess skin and cartilage. Patients are usually discharged promptly.

How Does the Process Proceed?

Otoplasty can be performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. Sometimes the procedure is done with sedation and local anaesthesia, numbing only a portion of your body. In other cases, general anaesthesia, which will render you unconscious, is recommended.

Techniques During the Procedure

Otoplasty techniques vary depending on the type of correction needed. This variability is due to the specific technique chosen by your aesthetic surgery specialist. The location of the incisions and resulting wounds is determined accordingly.

Where Are the Incisions Made?

Incisions are made behind and within the ear. Excess cartilage and skin can be removed. The cartilage is folded into the appropriate position and secured with internal stitches. Additional stitches are used to close the incisions. The procedure takes about two hours.

What Should I Expect?

For under-eye bruises, dermal filler is injected into the under-eye area. Often, only 0.5 millilitres or less of dermal filler is injected, typically under the eyes. Some patients undergo a second treatment 6-9 months after the initial one. A third under-eye bruise treatment may be recommended months later to achieve the desired effect.

Each injection session takes place at our partner clinic and takes less than an hour. Only qualified and extensively trained doctors should administer dermal fillers. Injectable filler is applied with anaesthesia. When the needle enters the skin, patients usually feel a slight pinch. Numerous small injections are made into the under-eye area to evenly distribute the filler. You can leave our clinic immediately after the injections.

Patients should be aware that the appearance of their ears will change until completely healed after the surgery. For example, ears often appear swollen or bruised immediately after the procedure; this will subside after a while.

Your ears may not look as expected at first; don’t panic. Some important points to follow after ear surgery include:

• Avoid heavy physical activities or activities that may affect your ears until they are completely healed.
• Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Use a few comfortable pillows for this.
• Try to avoid sleeping on your side during the healing process.
• Have realistic expectations. Understand that the appearance of your ears will gradually develop over time.

After Ear Surgery

A “fluffy bandage” – a heavily padded, cotton bandage – is used. Lighter bandages can be used a few days later. Bandages can be removed a week after the procedure. Afterwards, the patient should wear a soft headband as instructed by the doctor at intervals to keep the ears in the correct position.

What Are the Risks?

Scars are permanent but not visible. Asymmetry can occur due to a change in placement during or after the procedure. The skin may become temporarily/permanently sensitive. Inflammation due to stitches may occur; additional surgery may be required. Stitches placed internally may protrude from the skin over the years and may need to be removed in such a case.

Is Ear Surgery Permanent?

Ear surgery is permanent as long as any event that affects the shape or proportion of the ears is avoided. However, over the years, the stitches placed may stretch slightly, causing the earlobe to reopen slightly. It is important to visit for check-ups whenever you notice any changes or have any concerns.

Why Choose our Partner Clinics for Ear Aesthetics?

Patients are assured under the ISAPS guarantee, which only 57 surgeons in Turkey possess. One of them works at our partner clinics, who is highly experienced in ear aesthetics. You can have a consultation, review photos and experiences of patients who have had ear surgery, and ask any questions you may have about ear surgery.