Children can become the object of teasing and ridicule due to the size, shape or position of their ears. They may avoid social situations because they are targeted for being “different” and their self-image and confidence may suffer. Ear surgery is typically performed in children from the ages of 4 to 14. The goal of ear surgery is to create a natural shape to the ear while bringing balance and proportion to the face. Even minimal ear correction can provide substantial benefit to appearance and self-confidence. Children are not the only ones affected by prominent ears. Interestingly, many patients who come to Parva Plastic Surgery in Virginia, for prominent ears, are adults who have put off surgical correction their entire life.
What is Ear Surgery or “Ear Pinning” (Otoplasty)?
Ear pinning refers to the correction of prominent ears by setting them back against the head in a normal position. The projection of the ear away from the head is one of two common congenital ear deformities; the other is an abnormal flattening of the folds of the ear. Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face.
Otoplasty broadly refers to any corrective procedures to the ear and correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefit to appearance and therefore to a person’s self-esteem.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Someone with ears that are out of proportion for the face
- Ears that stick out away from the head
- Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss
- Ears that are flat with loss of the natural folds
- Either one or both ears are misshapen
- Ear deformities after trauma
- Ear reconstruction after surgical removal of cancer
- Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
- A healthy individual
- Non-smoker
- Realistic goals and expectations
“Dr. Parva,
Things seem to be going great & I’m looking forward to the new me! My mom raves about your work and I feel very fortunate to be operated on by such a skilled surgeon.”
The Ear Surgery or “Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) Procedure:
There are various techniques used to correct ear deformities depending on the type of deformity. Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon who has been serving Loudoun and Fairfax Counties for more than a decade, prefers the following surgical approach for prominent ears and often schedules the surgery in a surgery center:
- Manually position and fold the ears and mark the skin
- Inject Lidocaine, primarily to the back surface of the ears
- An ellipse of skin is removed from the posterior surface of the ear and the cartilage of the ear is exposed
- Based on the markings and positioning of the ear, internal permanent sutures are placed to position the ear closer to the side of the head, if needed
- Internal permanent sutures are placed through the cartilage to recreate the natural folds of the ear
- The skin is closed
- Antibiotic ointment and gauze padding is placed around the ears with a head wrap to protect the ears
Other ear deformities are corrected through well established surgical techniques and Dr. Parva, in Leesburg will review the options with you and individualize the treatment to your specific needs.
Recovery and Healing:
- A protective head wrap is worn for 5 to 7 days
- After that time frame, a head band is worn around the chin and head to cover and protect the ears in the evening
- Light activities are possible the day after surgery
- Children should avoid aggressive play or rough activities until fully healed
- Head elevation is recommended for 1 to 2 weeks
- Avoid laying on the side of the head for the first 2 weeks
- Sutures are removed in 1 week
Results:
Near immediate results are seen when the head wrap is removed but swelling may take several months to resolve. The ears should be protected during this time from extreme cold or injury. The scars will fade over several months.
Schedule Your Ear Surgery Consultation
Please contact Parva Plastic Surgery for your complimentary ear surgery consultation with Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon today.