Otoplasty – Ear Pinning in Bergen County, NJ

Otoplasty can be used to correct all the following problems:

• Ears that are overly large
• Ears that stick out too far from the head
• Ears that are unusually small
• Shell ear, a condition where the ear lacks normal creases and has no outer fold

Lop ear, a condition where the tips of the ears fold downward

Otoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia to guarantee patient comfort and reduce anxiety. However, the procedure itself is not highly invasive; most otoplasties take two to three hours to complete, and the patient can return home on the same day as his or her operation.

During otoplasty, our surgeons make an incision behind each ear, then remove, reposition, and reshape the cartilage and skin, as needed. The patient’s incisions are then closed with sutures, and a thick bandage is wrapped around his or her head.

Otoplasty can be performed on adults of any age and children over the age of four (with parental consent). To have ear surgery, you will need to be in good overall health, be a non-smoker, and be able to halt the use of certain medications (like blood thinners) for at least two weeks before surgery.

Children having ear surgery will need to be able to understand and follow the correct recovery protocol. When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll develop a plan for keeping your child comfortable throughout his or her recovery.

Note that sometimes, the need for otoplasty can be prevented if a child’s ears are treated with splints and other medical devices while he or she is still an infant. If you’re concerned about the shape of your baby’s ears, feel free to ask us for advice on how to alter their shape as they grow, without surgery.

Otoplasty recovery is typically easy and involves only minimal discomfort. Most patients don’t need to take prescription pain medication after having this procedure, making it more suitable for minors than other forms of cosmetic surgery. However, it’s important to avoid touching the ears during the first two weeks after surgery; the earlobes will be tender during this time. Rubbing or scratching them can also potentially dislodge sutures.

The only potentially challenging aspect of otoplasty recovery is wearing the thick bandage that’s placed around the head after surgery. This bandage doesn’t cause pain, but it exerts a slight pressure to reduce swelling and encourage the ears to lie flat against the head. Younger patients may dislike the sensation of tightness. To reduce the discomfort associated with bandaging, you should keep your child in a cool environment and provide him or her with soft, deep pillows for sleeping. After six to seven days, the bandage can be removed and replaced with a less restrictive headband to be worn at night.

After one to two weeks, the patient should be ready to return to school or work. However, sometimes residual swelling can last for six weeks. Patients should avoid sports and other forms of vigorous exercise for at least a month after having ear surgery.

Any scars created by this procedure are typically hidden behind the ear, rendering them practically invisible. In some cases, our surgeons may need to make an incision on the front of the ear, within the ear fold. This incision can sometimes leave a very subtle scar, but most patients don’t report finding it bothersome. It’s important to avoid sun exposure for at least a month after having surgery to reduce the possibility of scarring,. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause scar tissue to become thick and dark.

In most cases, ear surgery is considered purely cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance. There may be some exceptions, such as cases of severe deformity or the need for reconstructive ear surgery after an injury, but in general, patients must cover the cost of otoplasty through other means. To make this process easier, we provide in-house financing through reputable third parties like CareCredit^®. This way, our patients can develop a payment plan that suits their household budget, rather than paying a lump sum for surgery. We’re dedicated to helping all our patients live fuller and happier lives, regardless of their means, so don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

Yes. The cartilage that is removed during otoplasty is gone forever, so your ears will always be smaller after having this procedure. You won’t need to have revision surgery later to maintain their new shape.