OTOPLASTY (EAR PINNING) IN SEATTLE

Ear Pinning , also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery done to improve the position, shape, and/or proportion of the ear. It often is done for aesthetic reasons to correct unusual structural conditions that are caused by injury or are present from birth. Dr. Javad Sajan, one of the top plastic surgeons in Seattle, is experienced at the delicate procedure of enhancing the shape of patients' ears.

Your ears are uniquely shaped and serve a highly specialized purpose. Positioned on each side of your head, the shell-shape and ridges of each pinna (external ear) help gather sound and funnel it into the ear canal and middle ear. The pinna, like other exposed body parts, is vulnerable to traumatic injury, scars, sunburn, and frostbite. It can be under or overdeveloped or even absent at birth.

Some otoplasty surgery is done to "pin back" protruding ears so they lie closer to the head. Other otoplasty procedures repair such deformities as microtia – a birth defect in which the ear is only partially formed. Torn earlobes can happen from sports, earring pulls, or other traumas. Some individuals' ears develop disproportionately from one another.

Before & After

For patients with protruding or malformed ears, otoplasty has the potential to deliver life-changing benefits, including:

• Create more attractive ears by improving their shape, proportion and position
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Increase confidence of a child with misshapen ears
• A safe procedure with long-lasting ear reshaping results

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your ears for any reason, otoplasty may be able to help you achieve a more balanced look. In general, you'll want to consider this procedure if:

• Your ears are too large or too small
• Your ears are oddly positioned
• Your ears protrude or stick out prominently
• You've sustained an injury that changed the appearance of your ears

It's important to note that children's ear cartilage typically doesn't stabilize until around age five. Otoplasty completed before that time may be premature and revision surgery may be necessary later in the patient's life.

Your otoplasty will be performed in our state-licensed surgery center. Dr. Sajan and his team will take you through all the steps of pre-op preparation, surgery, and recovery. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You will be monitored at all times for your comfort and safety.

You will be given either a general anesthesia (for a deeper sleep) or a combination of intravenous anesthesia and local anesthesia. Dr. Sajan will make incisions behind the ear or within the ear creases; scarring in those areas is minimal and often disappears with time. He may remove excess cartilage and skin and/or sculpt existing cartilage. Once the cartilage is in its proper position, he will secure it with internal sutures and close the incisions with additional sutures. Otoplasty surgery typically takes about one hour per ear.

Once your surgery is complete, your ears will be bandaged for their protection and support. It's important that your bandages remain in place until Dr. Sajan replaces them with a lighter dressing a few days later. During the initial recovery period, it's normal to experience swelling, redness and itchiness, though taking the pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Sajan will help to ease this discomfort. Dr. Sajan may also prescribe a loose headband to be worn over your ears at night for up to six weeks following surgery.

Throughout the first week of recovery, you'll want to rest frequently. When possible, move around the house slowly to promote blood flow and optimal healing. You'll also want to keep your head elevated and avoid resting on your ears, as this can interrupt the recovery process and cause pain.

After about seven days, you will return to Dr. Sajan's Seattle office. At that appointment, he will remove your stitches and evaluate your ears. Most of our patients are able to return to work and resume their normal daily routine at that time. However, Dr. Sajan will provide you with personalized instructions based on your progress.

There are very few risks associated with ear surgery, making it an extremely safe procedure for adults and children alike. After healing, a thin scar will form behind the ear, but it will be hidden within your natural creases, and thus shouldn't affect your appearance in any way. In very rare cases, a blood clot or infection may develop as a result of ear surgery. With Dr. Sajan's due diligence and consideration for safety, these risks are significantly minimized.

When your reshaped ears are in balance with your facial features, you feel more confident about your overall appearance. Book a consultation with Dr. Sajan today and explore how otoplasty can restore a natural balance to your ears and face.