Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

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Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, is a surgical procedure aimed to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. This cosmetic surgery is extremely popular among adults and children alike. The two types of otoplasty–traditional and reconstructive–offer visible results in the overall appearance of the ears. Traditional, also known as ear pinning, consists of large or protruding ears that are pinned back towards the patient’s head. The other is Reconstructive, which helps those with severe birth defects or those that have experienced trauma reconstruct their ears on a case by case basis.

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Home | Cosmetic | Facial Procedures | Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

Why Otoplasty

Otoplasty results benefit a patient’s overall appearance. The procedure corrects protruding, disproportionate, and asymmetrical ears. Typically, the procedure takes about two to three hours to perform and often only results in mild discomfort. If you are hesitant because of scarring, you don’t have to worry. Our skilled surgeons place the surgical scars so they are often hidden behind the ear or in natural creases of the ear, so they usually go unnoticed. After both a traditional and reconstructive otoplasty, most patients typically experience a significant increase in confidence and their quality of life.

Who is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

As one of the most noticeable features on the face, it’s difficult to keep ears from being seen. Growing long hair, wearing hats, and boycotting earrings can only do so much to diminish their outward appearance. This is why cosmetic ear surgery is a great option for those who are uncomfortable with the shape or size of their ears.

Candidates for this surgery must be in good health, without active diseases, who don’t have any serious medical conditions or smoke. For children, the acceptable age is around five years old, ensuring their ear has fully developed and is stable enough to handle correction.

Congenital And Non-Congenital Conditions

  • Cagot Ear- No earlobe is present
  • Cats Ear- Edges of ear folded forward
  • Cauliflower Ear- Repeated trauma to the ear, cartilage separates from perichondrium and fills with liquid
  • Cleft Earlobe- An indent in the earlobe
  • Constricted Ear- Absence of skin or cartilage on back portion of the ear
  • Cosma Ear- Question mark ear, separation from the skull
  • Cryptoti- Upper portion embedded into scalp
  • Lop Ear- Ear curves inward, similar to a cup
  • Macrotia- Abnormally large ears
  • Microtia- Ears small and underdeveloped
  • Scroll Ear- Ears curl forward, like a rolled up scroll
  • Stahl’s Ear- Folding that creates a pointed edge, resembles an elf’s ear
  • Wildermuth’s Ear- Top curve of ear is reversed, towards head

The Doctors at My Houston Surgeons have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page last updated:

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