Ear Pinning Surgery

Having prominent ears can be a psychological nightmare for some people

, especially school age children. While prominent ears are a natural variant, sometime they can be referred to as dumbo ears after Disney's animated elephant. This can lead to a stigma which can be difficult for children to overcome. Fortunately, there are several options for people with prominent ears to help correct them.

Evaluation of prominent ears relies on determining if the problem is a lack of structure or too much structure. In some patients, a lack of the antihelical fold leads to an unfolding of the outer edge of the ear. In other patients, an excess of the cartilage that sits just next to the head, termed the conchal cartilage, can lead to the ear being set out from the head. Determing which is causing the issue is essential to determining what must be done to correct the problem.

Ear pinning, or more technically termed otoplasty procedures, are cosmetic surgery procedures which reshape the external appearance of the ear. If a patient lacks an antihelical fold, the fold has to be reshaped using permanent sutures. For those with excess cartilage in the conchal bowl, the excess cartilage needs to be removed and the ear pulled in slightly towards the head. In some patients with a lack of antihelical fold in whom the problem is noticed just after birth, special molds can be used to reshape the ear and often avoid the need for surgery in the future.

Risks are associated with any procedure. For otoplasty surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and cartilage death which can require reconstructive surgery. If permanent stitches are used to reshape the ear, there is the possibility that these stitches can break at some point in time and need to be replaced.

Visiting with a qualified and experienced surgeon is the first step on the journey towards any surgical procedure. The surgeon can sit with you and discuss your goals, advise what the best surgery may be, and discuss all of the risks and rewards of surgery.

by: D.J. Verret, MD

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