Do your ears stick out? Let's talk about Ear Pinning!

Do your ears stick out a little? Maybe you've been teased by your friends since you were little. Or do you feel a little sad and embarrassed when you look at yourself through glasses when you're older? Some people feel uncomfortable cutting their hair short or putting it up. This is a problem that many people face. But the good news is, there is a very simple, safe, and permanent solution to this. That's what we're going to talk about today.

What exactly is Ear Pinning?

Simply put, Ear Pinning is a type of plastic surgery. It is done to bring your ears closer to your head and reduce the appearance of protruding ears. This is not a necessary surgery, it is an elective procedure. Most of the time, a person decides to have this surgery to increase their self-confidence about their appearance.

Medically speaking, Ear Pinning is a type of surgery called Otoplasty . Otoplasty is any surgery performed to change the position, shape, or size of the outer part of our ears.

Apart from Ear Pinning, Otoplasty surgeries also perform the following:

• Reconstructing earlobes for those born without them.
• If you have ears that are larger than normal, reduce their size.
• If the shape of the ear has changed due to an accident or other reason, it can be reshaped.

This surgery is most often performed on young children, around 5-6 years old . This is because at that age the cartilage in the ear is a little softer and easier to shape. It also helps reduce the impact of teasing on children's mental health during school. However, there is no obstacle to having this surgery for adults of any age.

Who is performing this surgery? Where?

Ear pinning surgery is usually performed by a plastic surgeon who is supported by a team of trained doctors.

• Anesthesiologist: A specialist who anesthetizes you and monitors your condition so that you do not feel any pain during the surgery.
• A trained nursing staff: To provide assistance during the surgery and to care for you after the surgery.

This surgery is usually done in an outpatient surgical center . This means you can come in the morning, have the surgery, and go home the same day after a few hours of observation. You don't have to stay in the hospital for days.

What happens before the surgery?

If you are considering this surgery, the first thing you should do is meet with a plastic surgeon for advice. When you go to see the doctor, he will talk to you about things like this.

Things the doctor will ask you:

• Why do you want to have this surgery? - Be open about what's on your mind and the discomfort you feel.
• What do you expect to look like after surgery? - This will help you understand if your expectations are realistic.
• Your complete medical history: You need to tell us everything you know, including any allergies, other illnesses, and previous surgeries.
• You should be aware of any medications you are currently taking: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.

What the doctor does:

• Several photos will be taken from different sides of your face and ears.
• They will recommend the surgical procedure and anesthesia method that is most suitable for you.
• Perhaps using special software, they will give you a rough idea of ​​what you will look like after surgery.
• The risks associated with surgery are clearly discussed.
• If you decide to have the surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form.

How to prepare for surgery?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for surgery. You may usually be asked to do the following:

• Have a physical exam or some blood tests to see if your body is in a good condition for surgery.
• If you are a smoker, you should stop completely a few weeks before surgery . Smoking has a very negative effect on the healing process.
• Some medications that prevent blood clotting, such as aspirin, may need to be temporarily stopped because they can increase bleeding during and after surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

The entire surgery usually takes about two hours . You will most likely be given general anesthesia . This means you will be completely asleep, so you will not feel or remember anything.

Before the surgery begins, the medical team will do the following:

• A cannula (IV) will be placed in a vein in your arm. This is where anesthetics, painkillers, and necessary fluids will be given.
• A breathing tube will be placed down your throat to make it easier for you to breathe.
• Your vital signs, such as your heartbeat and breathing, will be constantly monitored throughout the surgery.

Then, the surgeon begins the operation.

1. First, a very small incision is made in the skin behind your ear . This incision is made in a way that it is hidden behind the ear. This way, there is very little chance of a scar being visible later.

2. Next, through that incision, any extra cartilage or skin that is causing the ear to protrude is removed , or their shape is changed.

3. Then, the ear is brought closer to the head and positioned in the most desirable and natural-looking position .

4. The ear is sewn from the inside using special, non-dissolving sutures to keep it in its new position.

5. The other ear is prepared in the same way. Usually, even if only one ear is protruding, surgery is performed on both ears to maintain symmetry .

6. Finally, sterile dressings are applied to protect the incisions from infection, and a compression bandage is applied around the head to hold the ears in their new position.

What happens after the surgery?

Once the surgery is over, you will gradually regain consciousness. You will be taken to a recovery room . At first, you may feel a little pain, heaviness, or itching in your ears. The medical team will give you the necessary painkillers .

After you regain consciousness, the IV and breathing tube will be removed. The tube may feel like a slight scratch in your throat for a day or two. You may also feel a little sleepy and nauseous from the anesthesia.

Once your condition is stable and you are fully conscious, you will be allowed to go home in a few hours. However, you will need someone to drive you home . You will not be able to drive until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.

What are the benefits and risks of this?

Like any surgery, ear pinning has its benefits and very small risks. It is important to be aware of these beforehand.

How is the recovery time?

Although recovery time varies slightly from person to person, full recovery is usually achieved within 4-6 weeks .

• First week: A bandage is placed on the head for the entire week. You may feel swelling, itching, and tingling in your ears. These are normal. After a week, the doctor will remove the bandage.
• After the bandage is removed: You can gently wash your hair, face, and ears. The doctor will show you how to keep the incision clean and use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• The next few weeks: You will be asked to wear a soft, flexible headband . It is especially important to wear this while sleeping at night, as it will prevent damage to your ears when you toss and turn in your sleep.

You need to stay away from these things for a while!

You should definitely avoid the following things until your doctor says "Okay, now you can."

• Contact sports.
• Weight lifting and strenuous exercise.
• Wearing earrings.
• Wearing glasses or sunglasses (as they can cause pressure on the ears).
• Exposing the ear area to direct sunlight or tanning beds.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

It's important to be aware of anything unusual during your recovery. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away.

• If blood, fluid, or pus is draining from the incision site.
• If the area around the incision becomes red and swollen .
• If the pain continues to increase or does not subside despite taking painkillers.
• If you feel feverish or have a cold .
• If you have chest pain or difficulty breathing . (In this case, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.)
• If you have pain, redness, or swelling in your leg, such as in the thigh area.
• If you feel dizzy or faint.

Don't be afraid of things like this. But it's best to be aware. Because if you are aware early, any problem can be solved before it becomes a big problem.

Ear Pinning, Otoplasty, ear surgery, protruding ears, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, otoplasty sinhala