Otoplasty, often referred to as ear pinning or ear surgery, is a popular procedure offered at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA. This safe procedure is commonly performed on children, but it can benefit adults, too. Today, we’re taking a closer look at who usually qualifies for surgery and answering other frequently asked questions about this procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
You should expect to qualify for otoplasty if you are a non-smoker and in fairly good health. Additionally, you must be willing and able to comply with all preparation and aftercare rules. Furthermore, you should have realistic expectations about the results of surgery to be considered a good candidate. During your initial consultation, we will verify your candidacy after reviewing your health, concerns, and goals.
Other Frequently Asked Questions Answered
How Should I Prepare for Surgery?
One of the most important preparation steps to take before surgery is to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery to be safe. It is also extremely important that you stop taking drugs and supplements, like anticoagulants and blood-thinning supplements, for at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should also avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products for two weeks pre-op.
Another important preparation step to take is to ensure that you have someone to drive you home from your procedure. An anesthetic will be administered that has the potential to affect your alertness for up to 24 hours after your procedure. Similarly, you should arrange for someone to stay home with you and care for you for at least 24 hours post-op.
What Should I Expect During My Procedure?
Before your procedure begins, anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable. Typically, children who undergo surgery receive general anesthesia. Adults may find that sedation or general anesthesia is right for them. We will determine which medication will be administered during your initial consultation. If you need a general anesthetic, you must fast and dry fast for several hours pre-op.
Once the administered medication has taken effect, we will reduce your conchal cartilage if it is enlarged, and we will create an antihelical fold if one does not exist. To perform the procedure, we will make small incisions within the folds on the back of the ear. Once we have improved the size and shape of your ears, we will close the incisions with external stitches.
What Should I Expect During My Recovery Period?
During the first portion of your recovery period, you must wear bandages over your ears to keep the incision sites clean and dry. These bandages are also important because they help support the ear’s new positioning as it heals. Additionally, it helps to protect your incision sites from traumatic injury. Generally, you can expect to make a full recovery within four to six months, but it may take up to two months.
What Should I Avoid While I Am Recovering?
To recover from surgery as quickly as possible, it is essential that you avoid infections. For at least 24 hours, you must wear a compression bandage over your ears. After 24 hours, a bandage should still be worn, but you may use a lighter bandage. To help prevent infection, you should ensure that your bandages and the backs of your ears remain dry and clean at all times and take antibiotics.
You should avoid submerging your head in the bathtub, hot tub, pond, or pool. You can shower after your procedure, but you should wrap your ears in waterproof dressing or wear a swimming cap. Furthermore, you should avoid engaging in vigorous physical activity. Avoiding unprotected sun exposure after surgery is also required. Stay in the shade as much as you can, and protect your ears with a broad headband for several weeks.
How Can I Recover From Surgery Faster?
There are several effective steps you can take to shorten your otoplasty recovery timeline. One of the most effective things you can do is to drink enough hydrating fluids daily. If your urine isn’t very pale, you should sip on a cup of tea or water or eat more water-rich foods. You can also help yourself recover from ear pinning surgery faster by sleeping with your head elevated by at least two pillows at night.
Ideally, you should sleep for at least nine hours nightly on your back. Your body heals most efficiently in the final stage of the sleep cycle, and sleeping on your back helps prevent too much pressure from being applied to the ears. Furthermore, you should not bend over for a couple of weeks post-op.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Good otoplasty candidates are fairly healthy, able to comply with their surgeon’s instructions, and concerned about the appearance of their ears. If you are displeased by the shape, position, or proportion of your ears, this procedure may be ideal for you. To find out for sure if you qualify, contact us today at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lazor.