The size and shape of the ear is dependent on the underlying cartilage. Cartilage is the rubbery, semi-rigid, substance the body uses to give various structures, such as the nose, their shape and flexibility. The ear cartilage is made up of a series of folds and cup-like structures, all of which contribute to its final shape. If a person is born with too much cupping or not enough folds, the ear will be forced away from the side of the head and give the appearance of protruding. Once one gains understanding of the problem, you can then understand the treatment. The surgical procedure to correct this problem is called an Otoplasty, but may be more commonly known as an “ear pinning” or “ear reshaping”.

 
 

Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery) is a surgical procedure used to improve the appearance of protruding ears or to reduce the size of large ears. It can also help correct ear deformities such as "lop ear," "cupped ear," or "shell ear." Otoplasty can be performed on children and adults, however children need to wait until the ears are almost fully grown. This usually occurs by the age of 4 or 5.

 
 

When cosmetic ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

 
 

Ear pinning usually takes two or three hours, the technique depends on the problem. In one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the car to expose the car cartilage. Then the plastic surgeon will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back towards the head. The stitches which are non removable may be used to help maintain the new shape. Some times as large piece of the cartilage is removed to give a more natural looking fold, when the surgery is complete. In another technique, a similar incision is made in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage. The surgery will leave a faint sear in the back of the ear, which will fade with time.

 
 

Otoplasty is a relatively simple plastic surgery procedure, which removes excess cartilage and reshaped natural folds through incisions behind the ears. Sutures in the cartilage will secure the ears in the correct position from the patients head. It is important not to correct the position of the ears by excess skin removal, as this will create an unnatural connection of the ears to the scalp. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours. Mild pain medication is prescribed to treat any discomfort experienced following otoplasty surgery. A protective head band is worn post-operatively for a minimum of two weeks. Patients may return to most physical activities within a few weeks.

 
 

Ear pinning is most commonly performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen. Ear pinning on adults is possible as well and there are no additional risks associated on performing the procedure on adult patients. The procedure can help a child avoid teasing from peers because of protruding ears. Such factors may affect an individual's confidence, leading them to seek their own ear pinning.

 
 

Otoplasty is a surgical process to reshape the ear. Some individuals are born with prominent ears while others may sustain injuries to the ear that may result in deformities. A variety of different techniques and approaches may be used to reshape congenital prominence of the ears or to restore damaged ears. Each individual seeking otoplasty is unique both in terms of the appearance of their ears and expectations for results following otoplasty surgery. The incisions used in this procedure may be placed in front of the ear, behind the ear or both in front & behind. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Surgery time is approximately 1 to 2 hours and recovery time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

 
 

You may choose to have ear surgery if your ears are prominent or you feel your ears are too large for your face. Ear surgery will enhance your appearance by setting prominent ears back closer to your head or reduce the size of large ears. Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. If you are considering otoplasty for your child—keep in mind that ears usually reach adult size by the age of four or five.
I believe that ear surgery can save a person from years of torment, specifically children. Has anyone had this surgery performed on them and would like to share their story?

 
 

You may be a candidate for ear pinning (otoplasty) if you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head. You may also want to have an otoplasty procedure if your ears have an unusual or undesirable shape. The goal is to create ears that have normal folds and shape with a normal level protrusion from the side of the head.

Otoplasty can save a person, specifically a child from years of torment and teasing. Has anyone had ear surgery performed on them and would like to share the story?

 
 

Ear surgery or otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, so the operation is done on children between ages of four and fourteen. Ear surgery is also possible in adults with fewer risks. You have to be clear about what and how you want your ear to be when you talk to the doctor.