Otherwise referred to as ear pinning, otoplasty is a surgical procedure which can alter the appearance of the ears.
So how is the surgery actually performed, who is suitable for it and what are the benefits of otoplasty?
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is an elective surgical procedure which aims to improve the appearance of the ears by altering the positioning. Some people will be born with ears which greatly protrude from the head. This can often cause a lack of self-esteem and confidence issues. It is considered to be an elective surgery as it is purely for aesthetic reasons.
Otoplasty involves removing excess cartilage and skin from behind the ear. This allows the surgeon to pull the ear back, reshaping it into a new, less prominent position. Otoplasty is performed under a local anaesthetic; this means you will be awake throughout the procedure but will be unable to feel any pain in the treatment area.
This is a procedure which is often undertaken on children who dislike the appearance of their ears. However, many adults will opt to have otoplasty as well. Both children and adults who undergo otoplasty will need to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve to be considered an eligible candidate for the procedure.
What are the benefits of otoplasty?
Restore self-confidence
No one should have low self-confidence regarding their appearance. The ears are one of the more prominent features of the face; when they stick out and are more prominent they can be cause for displeasure. Some people, particularly young children, may even experience bullying as a result of having prominent or uneven ears. Undergoing otoplasty can cause an increase in self-confidence and happiness.
Safe procedure
Otoplasty is considered to be one of the safest surgical procedures. It can be performed under a local anaesthetic, so you will be awake and comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Complications associated with this procedure are extremely rare. Otoplasty also has a high patient satisfaction rate.
Correct multiple problems
The number one reason for undergoing otoplasty is to improve the aesthetics of the ears and the face. An otoplasty is successful in treating numerous ear problems, such as protruding, oversized, cupped and folded ears.
Reshape the earlobe
Some people experience unhappiness with the appearance of their earlobes. Some people are born with particularly large or droopy earlobes; others will experience this happening as they age. Some people may have changed the shape of their earlobe using spacers, or have experienced damage to the earlobe. If this is the case, you may wish to have earlobe repair at the same time as the otoplasty. Earlobe repair allows the surgeon to remove any excess skin and tissue and stitch together any holes to create a more aesthetically pleasing earlobe.
