Ear Pinning/ Otoplasty
This procedure has been designed whereby ears are sculptured and pinned closer to the head. The procedure is ideally performed in children, just before they reach school going age. This is to prevent them from going through the ordeal of being teased by their peers, which could result in them being psychologically traumatized! Often patients don t have the opportunity of being operated at an early age in which case the procedure can still be done later.
Procedure
In the case of older children and adults, the procedure is performed under local anesthetic and sedation( pain-free).
In younger patients, a general anesthetic is preferred.
The procedure is done through a small scar behind the ear. Once the ear cartilage has been exposed, the cartilage shape is changed and maintained by means of fine sutures. It is often necessary to reduce the cavity in the ear known as the concha. This has the effect of advancing the ear closer to the head.
Once the skin has been closed using fine, dissolvable sutures, a special protective bandage is placed around the patients head, protecting the ears but at the same time reducing the discomfort.
Recovery
In the case of older children and adults, the procedure is performed under local anesthetic and sedation( pain-free).
In younger patients, a general anesthetic is preferred.
The procedure is done through a small scar behind the ear. Once the ear cartilage has been exposed, the cartilage shape is changed and maintained by means of fine sutures. It is often necessary to reduce the cavity in the ear known as the concha. This has the effect of advancing the ear closer to the head.
Once the skin has been closed using fine, dissolvable sutures, a special protective bandage is placed around the patients head, protecting the ears but at the same time reducing the discomfort.
What are the risks?
Although this is not a high-risk procedure, with complications being few and far between, the following complications may occur:
- Infection , very seldom seen and totally treatable.
- Haematoma ( excessive bleeding ), localizing in the affected ear and resulting in pain or severe discomfort. Often associated with an injury of the ear.
Surgical drainage could be necessary.