Otoplasty Surgery

Ear Pinning Surgery

Otoplasty or Ear pinning or Pinnaplasty ‐ Correcting misshapen ears, known as prominent ears, lop ears or bat ears.

Dr Imani is a specialist facial surgeon in Perth who has performed ear pinning surgery for many children and adults who have prominent ears.

Prominent ears are a genetically acquired condition that is caused by loss of the usual anatomical folds in the underlying cartilage framework of the ear, excessive cartilage, malpositioned cartilage, or soft tissue (skin, fat, muscle) deformity. Otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) is the surgical procedure that corrects the appearance of prominent ears by sculpting them and bringing them closer to the head.

Ear pinning surgery is usually done to set prominent ears back, closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. A subtle change to ear shape and position can have dramatic results. Ears are almost fully grown by age five, and the earlier the surgery, the less discomfort (psychological and emotional/loss of self-esteem) the child will have to endure. Even if ears are mildly distorted, this can lead to self-consciousness and poor adaptation to social situations early in life. In the case of severe disfigurement, much can be gained by performing ear pinning surgery (Otoplasty) on a pre-school age child in order to prevent the development of emotional problems that might result from his or her sense of being different.

Otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed for children in Perth, Western Australia. The majority of children undergo the surgery between the ages of four to 14. Some patients prefer to wait until adulthood to have their ear surgery. The firmer cartilage of a fully developed adult ear does not provide the same molding/pliability capacity of a child’s ear. Having the surgery at a young age is more desirable as the cartilage is very pliable, molds easily and the child will experience psychological benefits earlier.

Click here to contact us today for more information about you or your child’s ear pinning surgery in Perth.

What is involved?

The procedure involves an incision being made behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage. Portions of the ear cartilage are carved, sculptured, reshaped, or reduced depending on the particular case. Permanent sutures are placed in the cartilage to maintain the particular shape and secure the position of the ear. Extra skin is trimmed and the incision is then closed with sutures. An antibiotic, oily cotton cast and a large, soft dressing are used for several days to secure and protect the ears in their new position.

Post surgical discomfort is minimal. The result of the incision is a thin, inconsequential scar that is hidden in a natural crease behind the ear.

Are there risks involved?

Yes. There are risks involved in all medical procedures. Dr Imani will gladly discuss and disclose all possible risks, benefits and alternatives involved at the time of consultation. Our practice staff will provide you with written procedure specific information sheets after your consultation.


Pre care & Aftercare for Otoplasty or Ear pinning:

48 hours prior to your surgery:

Start washing your hair with antiseptic shampoo or tea tree oil shampoo and scrub and clean your ears whilst washing your hair especially the back of your ears

Immediately After Surgery:

Recovery Room: You will spend some time in the recovery room until you are fully awake and the nursing team gives clearance to go the post operative observation ward.  You will be sedated and drowsy for an hour or so.  You will have a head bandage around your ears and forehead, which you must keep on for the first 48 hours after surgery.  You can take this and all other dressings off in 48 hours.

You must have someone available to drive you home.  This needs to be a relative or acquaintance 

Pain Management:  Take prescribed pain medication as directed by your surgeon and anaesthetist.  You do not need to take every medication prescribed other than the antibiotics.  

First Few Days:

    Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated at 45 degrees, especially when sleeping, to minimise swelling.  You can use pillows or have the head of your bed elevated at 30 degrees.

    Dressing Care:  Keep the head bandage dry for 48 hours then take it off and start cleaning the back of the ear (where the absorbable suture line is twice a day and apply the prescribed antibiotic ointment once a day).  Keep the surgical site clean and dry for 5 days and then wash your hair with a antiseptic or tea tree oil shampoo.  You now need to wear a soft head band at nights (make sure it does not put excess pressure on the ears) for 4 weeks.  There is no need for suture removal, all skin sutures used are absorbable.  

First Week:

   Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least a week.

   Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your ears from direct sunlight. If exposure is necessary, use a wide-brimmed hat. 


First Month:

   Sleeping Position: Continue sleeping with your head elevated for the first few weeks - only if you are getting sleep in this position, if not you may lay flat.  

    Avoid Swimming: Refrain from swimming or submerging your ears in water until 4 weeks after surgery.

    Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr Imani at 2 week, then 6 weeks.


Long-Term Care:

    Protect Your Ears: If engaging in contact sports, consider using protective headgear to prevent injury.

 Scar Care: Nothing specific is required, let us know if the back of the ear becomes itch or the scar starts to grow abnormally (this is very rare)

Patience with Swelling: Swelling and bruising are common initially, but they will subside over time (10 days). Be patient report any large swelling. 

Contact us:  If you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge), contact your surgeon promptly.





Anaesthesia:

Adults - Local, with sedation or general anaesthesia.

Children - General anaesthesia for maximal patient comfort.

In/Outpatient:

Usually outpatient, occasionally inpatient 23 hour stay for children.

Length of Surgery:

One to two hours.

Recovery and getting back to work:

Adults: Back to work in four to five days, wear a loose fitting, broad tennis head headband at nights for six weeks.

Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for six weeks.

Children: Back to school in five to seven days and are to wear a loose fitting tennis headband at night for 4 weeks.

Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for six weeks.

Duration of Results:

Long-term.


Cost of Otoplasty or Ear pinning:

The cost of ear pinning in Perth is varied depending on your particular needs, the nature of your problem and the experience and the expertise of the otoplasty specialist you see.  

The price for ear reshaping with Dr Imani ranges from: 

$7000-$10000

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified surgeon.

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