Pinnaplasty Ear Pinning For Less Protruding Ears

One of the most troubling aesthetic concerns for both children and adults is overly prominent ears that stick out too far from the head. I've found that this can have a drastic impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. It may be an issue that you've probably suffered from since you were younger.

The degree at which your ears project from your head is how the extent of prominence is determined. Typically, the ear is under 2 cm from the head, and it should form an angle that's less than 25°. Anything beyond that can contribute to a prominent appearance.

Hiding your ears all the time isn't an option. Pinnaplasty reduces the extent at which your ears project from your head. This makes them less prominent and no longer a focal point of your appearance. The procedure treats the outer ears only. It does not modify the ear canal or any of the internal structures or affect hearing ability.

Unique point: over 2,000 procedures performed

I've performed over 2,000 otoplasty procedures since becoming a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon over 15 years ago. My patients include males and females who have simple to highly complex issues affecting their ear contour. For these reasons, I am the most experienced otoplasty surgeon in Toronto, Ontario.

Unique point: can treat children and adults

Children make up a huge part of the number of pinnaplasty patients I've performed surgery on. In fact, they are the majority of my otoplasty patients. Currently, I perform at least two otoplasty procedures a week to correct protruding ears. As a result, I have the highest number of ear surgery patients in Ontario. I understand the delicate structures of a child's ear. In addition, as a mother myself, I am particularly sensitive to the emotions they may be experiencing as a result of their prominent ear shape. *Please note that at this time, I do not perform ear surgery on children under 7 years of age.

Your child may be a candidate for ear surgery if he or she is at least 7 years old and in good health, with no serious medical conditions.

Unique point: so much more than just "pinning back" the ears

Pinnaplasty shouldn't be thought of as "ear pinning". This term is inaccurate because I don't just pin the ears back. I reshape them to reduce their projection. Technically known as setback otoplasty, I modify the structures that contribute to their projection and prominence. Doing so achieves a proportionate result that is durable. This is a key difference between my technique and that of other surgeons.

Unique point: incisionless otoplasty is ineffective and unsafe

You may have heard about incisionless otoplasty, also known as "sutureless" pinnaplasty. This is a technique that involves scoring the ear cartilage with a needle to create scarring, and placing sutures that will keep the ear from projecting far from the head. It is promoted as being a less invasive ear surgery that takes just 20 minutes or so to complete. In my experience, I strongly recommend you do not consider this as a valid technique to reduce ear prominence, for these reasons:

• The surgeon is unable to see what they're doing to the internal structure of the ear while scoring the cartilage with the needle or placing sutures. This makes for a more unpredictable outcome. You should know that the ear is delicate with limited blood supply, and there is an extremely high risk of causing longterm damage.
• I've seen several patients who have had incisionless otoplasty. I've witnessed the serious complications that can arise from such a technique. A common complication is the extrusion of permanent stitches, in which the sutures push and cut through the skin. The sutures are left exposed and there's a higher risk of infection. Once an infection occurs, the cartilage in your ear can be permanently eaten away and destroyed.
• When you don't modify the internal structures of the ear and simply "pin" them back, it's very easy for surgical results to undo. This has been the case for several patients I've seen who have had "sutureless" pinnaplasty in the past.

Your preliminary otoplasty Toronto consultation

Your first formal consultation regarding your otoplasty Toronto procedure will be with me and takes about 45 minutes, allowing you ample time to obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. I like to meet every potential patient to make sure that the surgery is not only safe, but also able to achieve the desired goals. I'll go over your medical history and discuss your expectations to ensure that they're realistic. After all, having surgery is an important decision and if it can't achieve what you want, then you may want to consider something more effective. I may also be able to provide you with viable options.

What will happen during your surgery

Cosmetic ear surgery usually takes about two hours or so. For children 7 years and older, the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (I don't perform surgery on children under 7 years old). Local anesthesia is usually adequate for adults. No overnight stay is required in either case.

An incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is carefully reshaped, without causing unnecessary trauma. The ear is repositioned closer to the head. This is secured with stitches to maintain its new shape. I make sure that minimal to no tension exists on the incisions to reduce the extent of scarring. At the same time, other structures of the ear can be modified as well, such as ear lobe reduction.

Recovering from your surgery

• Dressings, bandages and sutures removed after a week
• Some discomfort
• A week off of work or school

After this cosmetic surgery, your head will be wrapped in a bulky dressing to mold your ears into the correct position. These dressings, and any undissolvable sutures, will be removed after about a week. You might be a bit sore for a few days, but pain medication can be prescribed to alleviate your discomfort.

Stay home from work or school for a week, and rest quietly to promote healing. You'll be asked to wear a headband at night for about three months to protect your ears from bending or being pulled forward during sleep. You can sleep with your head elevated to control swelling.

After a week, you can play sports that require the use of helmets. However, you should avoid vigorous activity and contact sports for at least six weeks. Children need to understand that they need to be careful when playing on the playground.

An immediate improvement from cosmetic ear surgery

It's amazing how dramatic the changes can be after you undergo otoplasty, and they're usually visible right after your surgery. Your ears will no longer project so far away from your head. They'll have a more natural appearance that you won't be embarrassed about.

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Frequently asked questions about otoplasty and pinnaplasty cosmetic procedures

What is otoplasty?

Simply put, otoplasty is the general term for cosmetic ear surgery such as ear reshaping or pinning of the ears. Also an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure, pinnaplasty refers strictly to “ear pinning” or making them protrude less. Sometimes both terms are used interchangeably.

Who is otoplasty for?

Pinnaplasty is for those who feel one or both ears stick out too much. So much so, your ears cause you to feel ashamed, embarrassed and an unbearable level of self consciousness. You may be called "bat ears". There is nothing wrong with you but you may feel more comfortable having them closer to your head. You mostly keep your ears covered by your hair or hats.

What will my otoplasty consultation be like?

Consultation with me will include a thorough examination of your ears. You and I will discuss your desires and the best way to correct the problems you are experiencing. Your overall health history will be reviewed and I may do further tests to ensure you are the right candidate for surgery. We will cover the benefits and the potential risks of the surgery. I invite you to talk freely about your concerns with me and ask many questions. It is important to me that you are completely comfortable with your decision and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved.

Will I be admitted to the hospital? Will I stay overnight?

Typically, your otoplasty surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure but for children or more complicated cases, I will ask you to stay overnight so I can ensure you recover as you should. Adult patients recover at home.

How do I prepare for my cosmetic surgery?

Make sure you are relaxed and stress-free during the time surrounding your surgery. Three weeks before your surgery, avoid alcohol and the following medications:

• Aspirin
• Advil
• Entrophen
• ASA
• 222s
• Naprosyn
• Vioxx
• Other anti-inflammatories

The day of this facial plastic surgery procedure, be sure to wash thoroughly with regular soap and don’t eat anything after midnight before your surgery. Learn more about getting prepared for surgery. I will also be giving you some pre-op instructions for you to follow.

How long is the otoplasty procedure?

Depending on what needs to be done, surgery will be about one to two hours.

What kind of anesthesia is administered?

Children will be receiving general anesthesia by a certified anesthesiologist. For adults who are getting an otoplasty, you will most likely receive local anesthesia with mild sedative.

What is the otoplasty aftercare like?

After surgery, most patients may feel some discomfort and you will see some swelling. I will give you step by step instructions to help you heal and recover nicely.

Your head will be bandaged with thick bandages. After a few days, this will be replaced with lighter bandages. These can be removed after about seven days.

After seven days, you will be asked to wear a headband that covers your newly placed ears while you sleep. This will help your ears hold their new position until you heal completely.

You will be asked to not partake in any rigorous exercising until I give you clearance.

Be sure to follow all post-op instructions I give you to ensure you heal properly and stay healthy while you recover from your surgery.

How to sleep after otoplasty surgical procedures

I will ask you to sleep with your head raised a bit to help with the swelling. Try not to sleep on your side where your ears can be disturbed. You'll be wearing a sort of head dress that will provide protection.

How long until I get to see the final results of my otoplasty?

Full recovery after this facial plastic surgery can take up to six to eight weeks and you should be able to enjoy the results you’ve been waiting for. You should experience no hearing loss. In fact, your hearing may be improved depending on the type of otoplasty you've had.

When can I go back to work or school?

You should be able to resume normal activities in a few days, for adults. For children, I will ask they stay away from school and other activities for about seven days.

Will my scars be visible?

I work very hard to hide sutures within the crease where your ears attach to your head. Your scars should not be visible after your full recovery period and scar tissue should be at a minimum. You should be able to enjoy wearing your hair back and show off your new look.

Q: What does otoplasty surgery cost? How much does otoplasty cost in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

A: Prices vary from one surgeon to another for this surgical procedure; generally the otoplasty cost ranges between $5500-$6500 (not including HST). This price includes fees related to pre- and post-op appointments, anesthesia, surgeon and assisting medical staff fees. There is an additional $750 to cover the facility fee. Any part of the outer ear may be treated. Issues that can be corrected include misshapen ears, lop ear deformity, poorly developed antihelical fold, stretched ear lobes caused by heavy earrings, earlobe repair and anything else that prevents you from having a "normal" appearance.