Serving - atlanta, ga
Ears that are enlarged, protruding, or asymmetric can be challenging to hide and can be a source of embarrassment or low self-esteem in both children and adults. Otoplasty (“ear pinning”) is a procedure Dr. Lindsey Webb performs in her Atlanta office or at an outpatient surgery center on children and adults that can reduce the abnormal protrusion, decrease excessively large portions of the ears, and otherwise correct the appearance of many ear abnormalities. The surgery allows for a very natural appearance and the scars are well-concealed along the back of the ear base so it is highly unlikely anyone would ever suspect that the ears had been operated on.
Healthy, nonsmoking individuals without life-threatening medical conditions or untreated chronic ear conditions may be candidates for otoplasty. Patients with realistic expectations and specific goals can discuss with Dr. Webb the surgical options to achieve the best possible outcome.
A gauze head bandage is applied for two days, and head elevation is recommended for 2-3 weeks after surgery, along with avoidance of strenuous activities or exercise. Sutures are removed after 7-10 days or sutures may be absorbable, especially in children. Regular low-impact daily work or activity can continue but an elastic headband or sweatband over the ears is necessary to prevent inadvertent bending of the corrected (still-healing) ear cartilages especially at night when one rolls over during sleep. This night-time band is then worn for 4-6 weeks to reduce the risk of losing the internal sutures that hold the ears in their new position. Re-stitching can be necessary in up to 10% of patients. Infection or bleeding is rare, but either can have serious cosmetic impact. This risk can be reduced by taking prescribed antibiotics, keeping the ear suture lines clean, wearing the night-time band, and avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen-containing medications for two weeks before and after surgery.
Earlobe reconstruction can also be done in cases where facelift incision and closure choices have left wide, visible scars in front of the earlobe, or stretched “pixie” earlobes instead of the previous normal earlobe configuration. We have developed special techniques that are individualized to each patient’s specific issue and can usually repair or improve upon these unfortunate situations. We also use these methods in our own facelift patients to help avoid these complications in the first place.
Request a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lindsey Webb, in her Atlanta, Georgia office to discover how you may benefit from otoplasty!