Ear Pinning Surgery Recovery Times

Floppy ears, protruding ears, and deformed ears have long been the bane of children and adults alike. They stick out like a sore thumb, and create embarrassing situations when interacting with other people. Traditionally, people just had to grin and bear it. Nowadays with our modern cosmetic surgeries, sufferers of deformed ears can live normal lives by having plastic surgery.

The usual method for fixing an ear deformity is called the ear pinning technique. In ear pinning surgery, a small incision is made behind the ear where the hard cartilage is. The cartilage can be modified by cuts or sutures to reshape the ear and bring it closer to the head. Since only skin and cartilage are involved, this can usually be done as an outpatient procedure. That means only local anesthetic is used, and almost no blood loss occurs for this particular operation.

That makes ear pinning surgery recovery times extremely low compared to other operations. Most people resume regular activities in a week. Very few complications can delay recovery, as the only major side effect is blood clots that can develop at the incision.

For the first two days after the surgery, the patient must wear a tight head bandage that provides support for the newly shaped ear. After that, the stitches along the incision are removed (any sutures used to shape the cartilage must remain) and a lighter head dressing is used to support the ear. Most patients return to work in 5 days, while children are advised to return to school in 7. Signs of scarring and mild discomfort should subside after a few weeks. However, no physical activity that could bend the ear should be pursued until several months afterwards to promote full healing.

Ear pinning is a safe and well-documented procedure that can be completed in a few hours. You'll be able to walk away from it with a renewed sense of self-esteem.

Talk to your doctor today about the specifics of an operation on your ears, or on the ears of your child.