Do you sometimes feel like your ears are sticking out a little more than normal? Maybe your child is being teased at school or among friends because of this. This can be really upsetting and can lower self-confidence. So is there a solution to this? Yes, there definitely is. Today we are talking about that. That is the surgery called 'Ear Pinning'.
What exactly is Ear Pinning?
Simply put, Ear Pinning is a plastic surgery procedure . It involves moving your ears closer to your head and making them permanently in that position. This is not a necessary procedure, but an elective one . Many people undergo this procedure to change the appearance of their protruding ears and to be happy with their appearance.
Medically, this surgery is called Otoplasty . There are many other types of surgeries within Otoplasty. For example:
- Some people are born with a lack of earlobe tissue. Rebuild that lost tissue.
- If you have larger than normal ears, reduce the size of the earring.
- If the shape of your ears has changed due to an accident or other reason, get them reshaped.
This surgery is most popular among children and young adults , but some adults also undergo this surgery.
What do you need to know before having this surgery?
If you are considering this surgery, the first thing you should do is consult with a plastic surgeon . He or she will be accompanied by an anesthesiologist and nurses on the team that will perform this surgery.
When I went to see the doctor...
Your doctor will ask you about several things.
- Why do you want to have this surgery?
- What are your expectations after surgery?
- Your complete medical history, including allergies, other illnesses, and previous surgeries.
- You should tell us about all the medications you are currently taking. That means prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, everything.
After that, the surgeon will do these things:
- Several pictures of your face, head, and ears will be taken.
- They will recommend the most suitable surgical procedure for you and the type of anesthesia that will be used to control pain.
- Sometimes, special software will be used to give you a rough idea of what you will look like after surgery.
- They will openly discuss the risks of the surgery with you .
- 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. A few days before surgery, you will need to do the following:
- Do things like blood tests to see if you are in good health for the surgery.
- If you are a smoker, you need to stop completely .
- Some medications, such as aspirin, which thin the blood, may need to be temporarily stopped.
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 anything.
During the operation, the surgeon follows these steps:
1. First, a small incision is made behind your ear . (Sometimes the incision can also be made in front of the ear.)
2. Through this incision, the skin or cartilage that is causing the ear to protrude forward is removed or weakened.
3. Then, the ear is brought closer to the head and brought to the new position .
4. Permanent sutures are used to hold the ear in its new position. These sutures do not dissolve over time, they remain inside.
5. The other ear is operated on in the same way. Now you might be thinking, "If only one ear is protruding, why do both?" The reason for this is to make both ears look symmetrical .
6. Finally, a sterile dressing is applied to protect the incisions from germs and a compression bandage is applied to keep the ears in the correct position.
Let's look at the pros, cons, and recovery time of this.
Like any other surgery, this surgery has benefits and some risks.
The biggest benefit of this is the mental well-being and self-confidence that comes with a better appearance. Even if there are scars, they are very small, and since they are hidden behind the ear, they are not visible from the outside.
However, like all surgeries, there are some minor risks. Let's take a look at them.
| Risk or Complication | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | An allergic reaction to the materials used in the surgery (e.g. plaster). |
| Bleeding or blood clots | Bleeding from the incision site or blood clots in the veins. |
| Wound infection | Germs enter and fester in cuts. |
| Changes in skin sensation | Temporary numbness or loss of sensation in the earlobes. |
| Unsatisfactory results | The desired appearance may not be achieved or the ears may not be symmetrical. In such cases, re-surgery may be necessary. |
How long does it take to heal?
The doctor will explain the recovery process to you thoroughly. For the first few days, your ears may be swollen and itchy. These things will go away with time.
- Bandages: The bandage around the ear usually needs to be left on for about a week . After it is removed, you can wash your hair, face, and ears.
- Antibiotic ointment: Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent wound infection.
- Headband: You will be asked to wear a headband for a few weeks, especially while sleeping , to help keep your ears in the correct position.
- Full recovery: Most people recover completely within 4 to 6 weeks .
Important: You should avoid these things until your doctor gives you permission:
* Strenuous exercise and weight lifting.
* Contact sports.
* Exposing earplugs to sunlight.
* Wearing glasses or earrings.
When should I see a doctor again?
If you notice any signs of complications after surgery, you should talk to your doctor immediately . If you notice anything like this, don't delay.
- If blood, pus, or other fluid is draining from the cut.
- If you have a fever or chills .
- If the area around the wound is red and swelling is increasing .
- If the pain continues to increase despite taking painkillers.
- If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain . (In such a severe case, it is advisable to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.)
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the thigh area.
- Confusion or fainting.
Take-Home Message
- Ear pinning is a voluntary plastic surgery procedure performed to correct protruding ears.
- This surgery can significantly increase the self-confidence and mental well-being of children and young people, especially.
- Although this is generally a safe surgery, like any surgery, there are some risks.
- Before surgery, it is very important to talk openly with your plastic surgeon about your hopes and all concerns.
- To achieve the best results, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor's instructions after surgery.
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