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.