Improve the Shape and Position of the Ears

Otoplasty Scottsdale, Arizona

Otoplasty, often referred to as ear pinning, is a procedure designed to set back prominent ears, and can be performed at any age from early childhood to adulthood. By reshaping and repositioning obtrusive ears, Dr. Pamela Henderson can create an attractive facial silhouette, redirecting focus to facial features patients are more eager to showcase such as beautiful eyes or an attractive smile. If you are considering otoplasty for yourself or your child, contact Dr. Henderson’s Scottsdale, Arizona practice today to learn more.

The Otoplasty Consultation

Patients interested in otoplasty will attend a consultation, during which the ears are examined for symmetry, shape, and size and the cause of the prominence is determined. Generally, a combination of flattening of the fold of the ear as well as prominence of the bowl of the ear is noted but occasionally one or the other may occur alone.

Preparing for Surgery

Once the decision is made to proceed with surgery, patients are scheduled for a preoperative appointment approximately two weeks prior to the surgical date. During that appointment, patients are given preoperative instructions and consent forms are reviewed. These instructions generally include avoiding medications that increase the risk of bleeding including herbs, vitamin E, aspirin, and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen.

Anesthesia

In most adults and teens, or even mature preteens, otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia alone, or combined with an oral medication for relaxation. Alternatively, the procedure can be performed using IV sedation, often referred to as “twilight anesthesia.” For very young children, general anesthesia is usually preferred for the comfort of the patient. For local and IV sedation procedures, the surgery is performed in Dr. Henderson’s in-office surgical suite whereas for general anesthesia procedures, otoplasty is performed at Shea Healthcare Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. In either situation, this is an outpatient procedure.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Dr. Henderson will make an incision, which will be hidden in the crease behind the ear. The skin on the back of the ear is elevated to allow for placement of sutures to recreate the fold of the ear. Cartilage may be trimmed from the bowl of the ear prior to setback to the mastoid region which is the bony area located behind the ear. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures that generally absorb over a couple of weeks. A light pressure dressing is applied for 24 to 48 hours.

After Surgery

Following removal of the dressing, the patient is instructed to wear a headband during the night and day for a week, and then just at night for an additional two weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for approximately two to three weeks, and contact activities that would increase risk of trauma to the ears are to be avoided for six weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually resolve over two to three weeks and final results of the otoplasty are seen at approximately six to eight weeks.

Risks

Although uncommon in association with otoplasty, complications can occur with any surgery. These include bleeding, infection, recurrent ear prominence, asymmetry, cartilage loss, and hematoma.

Learn More about Otoplasty

To learn more about reshaping and repositioning ears with otoplasty, contact Dr. Pamela Henderson in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her practice, which focuses completely on surgeries of the head and neck, is committed to delivering incredible results to patients from throughout the greater Phoenix area.