Otoplasty

Otoplasty (ear pinning) is designed to correct protruding ears. This may be addressed either as a child (as young as 6) or in adults. The incisions are confined to the skin behind the ear and involve some combination of sutures, cartilage excision and skin removal. A headband is generally worn for about 6 weeks after surgery to ensure that the sutures are not stressed. Recovery is fairly quick, about 1 or 2 weeks.

Faqs on Otoplasty

My daughter has protruding ears and she has been hiding her ears under her hair. How do I know when she is old enough to have otoplasty?

There is not necessarily a certain age, more a maturity level before undergoing surgery. Parents need to be sure that the child wants to have the surgery and that the parents are not pushing surgery because of a perceived imperfection. Some children are ready as early as six. A good time to begin talking to your child is when they start showing subtle signs such as hiding the ears behind the hair or wearing hats.

Is Otoplasty surgery painful? What type of anesthesia is used?

Anesthesia, usually twighlight anesthesia and a local anesthetic, is used to control pain during otoplasty surgery. You will also be prescribed pain medication to use after your surgery. Most of our otoplasty patients report only mild discomfort / soreness following surgery. For younger children general anesthesia is sometimes used.

Will I have visible scars from otoplasty?

Although no two patients or surgeries are exactly alike, scars from otoplasty are usually well hidden behind the ears so that they will not be easily seen.

What complications are common from otoplasty?

When ear surgery is performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, as with any surgery, complications are possible. 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. As with any surgery, infection is a risk, but these infections are usually well treated with antibiotics. Recurrence of the protrusion is also a possibility if the ears are not protected after surgery.

Does Dr. Houser perform otoplasty on an outpatient basis or will I need to stay in a hospital?

Most otoplasty surgeries performed by Dr. Houser are performed in our fully AAASF accredited surgical suite. Otoplasty patients requiring general anesthesia will be conducted in a hospital or surgery center.

Does Dr. Houser perform many otoplasty operations?

Dr. Houser frequently performs otoplasty. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Houser is highly trained and experienced in plastic surgery for all areas of the face and body. Dr. Houser is also active in resident education in Columbus, Ohio, both at The Ohio State University in the plastic surgery program as well as in the general surgery program at Mount Carmel Medical Center.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing otoplasty in Ohio are board certified. Why should I choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
• Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
• Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.