Otoplasty/Ear Pinning
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
While the outer ear has a minor role in helping us to hear, it can majorly contribute to an individual’s appearance. If you are unhappy with the look of your ears due to prominent or protruding ears, leading to self-consciousness, you may benefit from otoplasty, or ear pinning, which is a great way to correct prominent ears. Anyone, from children as young as age five to adults, can benefit from this procedure for long-lasting results and a boost in self-esteem! Walker MD Facial Plastic Surgery is located 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta and 15 minutes from Buckhead.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty refers to a procedure that changes the shape, proportion, or size of your ears. A deformity in the ideal ear structure may be present at birth or become apparent with development, either of which can be corrected by otoplasty. This surgery can also treat traumatically acquired ear shape issues. It is one of the few cosmetic procedures that may be performed in children or minors, in addition to adults, to keep children from being bullied and to prevent or treat self-esteem issues as they grow up. The goal of this outpatient operation is to set a prominent ear back and/or restore a more normal ear contour for better proportions to the opposite ear and face. Results are immediate with permanent improvement to maximize facial harmony and symmetry. Correction of even minor deformities can have a profound impact on appearance and self-esteem. If protruding or deformed ears bother you or your child, you may consider an otoplasty.
Otoplasty can treat the following issues:
- Protruding ears that occur on one or both sides.
- Ears that are overly large (macrotia).
- Unhappiness with previous ear surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
Otoplasty provides a lasting solution for ears that stick out or have irregular shapes, offering immediate improvement in ear symmetry and facial balance. This procedure can significantly boost self-confidence by correcting concerns that may have caused self-consciousness or teasing, especially in children and teens. Since it is specific to each individual’s anatomy, otoplasty creates natural-looking results that enhance overall facial harmony without an unnatural “pinned back” appearance. Additionally, the surgery’s outpatient nature means a relatively quick recovery and minimal disruption to daily life.
Who Are the Best Candidates For Otoplasty?
Children, teenagers, and adults can benefit from otoplasty surgery. Overall, candidates will be healthy non-smokers who are able to communicate their feelings and specific goals regarding surgery.
Otoplasty is a highly customized procedure for each person to address concerns about protruding ears, prominent ears, or ear asymmetries. If you are considering this procedure, be sure to do it for yourself, not for someone else, nor to fit into an idealized image.
Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
- Healthy, without a chronic illness precluding anesthesia or untreated chronic ear infections.
- At least five years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction.
- Cooperative and follow instructions well.
- Able to communicate their emotions and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed.
Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
- Healthy, without a chronic illness precluding anesthesia or untreated chronic ear infections.
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific surgical goals.
- Nonsmokers.
- Individuals with prominent or protruding ears or a lack of normal ear contours.
- Clients with realistic expectations.
The best way to determine your candidacy for otoplasty is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Thomas Walker. He will carefully examine your ears, taking into account your medical history and age to determine the best treatment option for you.
What’s the First Step?
The first step toward achieving your ideal ear shape is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Walker in Atlanta, GA, where he will carefully examine your ears, discuss your specific concerns and goals, and review your medical history to determine if otoplasty is right for you or your child. Dr. Walker will explain the procedure in detail, answer all your questions, and help you set realistic expectations. This visit allows you to feel informed and comfortable before moving forward with surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery
Otoplasty surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Dr. Walker will speak with you regarding your options and will help you choose the option that makes you feel most comfortable. Correction of protruding ears generally employs surgical techniques to (1) create or increase a fold of the ear known as the “antihelical fold” just inside the rim of the ear and to (2) reduce prominent conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear).
Some people need both techniques, some just need one without the other. This is a highly customized procedure for each patient and even each ear. Incisions for otoplasty are well hidden and made behind your ear(s). Ear cartilage is contoured and secured in its new proper position with internal suture placement to “pin back” the ear(s) and recreate normal ear curvatures as needed. Internal sutures are permanent without the need for removal, whereas external sutures are placed behind the ear to close the incision and may require removal after the first week, although in many cases absorbable sutures are used without the need for removal.
The surgical techniques are highly customized to each person, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance. The procedure usually takes approximately 60-90 minutes per ear.
Otoplasty Recovery
Patients are able to go home the same day after an otoplasty procedure. Ear surgery results are immediate and noticeable once the dressing is removed after a week, and most of the swelling will have subsided. You will be given specific instructions that may include how to take care of your ears following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow up with Dr. Walker.
At the end of the procedure, a head dressing is applied that is worn for the first 1-3 days, which will then be removed, and a clean headband needs to be worn 24 hours a day for the first week. Incisions are cleaned, and an antibiotic ointment is applied several times a day for the first week. Bruising and swelling vary but are usually minimal, even though some soreness is common. After the first week, the headband needs to be worn at night only for an additional month or so for the best results and to protect the ears from any pulling on the internal sutures. This helps keep the ears in proper position as well. Results are obvious as soon as the bandaging is removed. Normal, non-contact activities may be resumed after approximately two weeks. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, sunlight, or tanning bed light, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Be sure to follow Dr. Walker’s instructions closely to optimize your results and minimize your chance of complications. It’s also prudent to attend your follow-up visits as scheduled.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of Otoplasty in Atlanta averages out to about $5,000, though this can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the correction, whether one or both ears are treated, and the type of anesthesia used. Dr. Walker’s team provides transparent pricing and will provide a detailed estimate after your consultation. Because otoplasty is a cosmetic operation, it is typically not covered by insurance, but financing options may be available to make the procedure more accessible.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
When it comes to plastic surgery, expertise and trust go hand in hand, and Dr. Thomas Walker offers both in abundance. A double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Walker is known for his patient-first approach and commitment to delivering natural-looking results. His affiliations with esteemed organizations, including the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and the American Medical Association (AMA), reflect his dedication to excellence and continued education in his field.
Schedule Your
Consultation
If you are curious about how otoplasty can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Walker’s Atlanta office today to schedule your consultation. With his dual board certifications and extensive experience, Dr. Walker is dedicated to delivering results that look natural and feel just right for you.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Otoplasty/Ear Pinning FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.