Personal Experience with Otoplasty: Ears Pinned Back

Having undergone both otoplasty and eyelid surgery, I want to share my personal experience with otoplasty, which I had done under local anesthesia at the Forme Clinic. The procedure was simple, and the results are truly fantastic.

Procedure Details

Otoplasty involves the repositioning of protruding ears by reshaping the cartilage. The surgery was performed under local anesthesia, and no general anesthesia was needed. A head dressing was worn for the first week, and then only for sleeping after that.

Before and After Results

The result was remarkable. My ears now look natural, and the feeling of having normal-looking ears is simply fantastic. It's a small change that has had a big impact on my confidence.

Medical Procedure Overview

I have also performed otoplasty procedures a number of times in my clinical practice. The process involves a series of steps. Initially, a small area of the scalp is shaved, and an incision is made behind the ear. A segment of skin is removed and discarded, revealing the cartilage.

The next step is to peel the skin off the cartilage, ensuring that some muscles are still attached. The skin is then folded forward, creating a fold in the external ear. Sutures are used to pull the cartilage into a more appropriate position, using a technique called horizontal mattress suturing to avoid tearing the cartilage.

To further reposition the ear, a heavy suture is used to pull the bowl of the ear backward and towards the skull. A rubber piece is placed behind the ear to allow fluid to escape, and the skin edges are then sutured together. The procedure is then repeated on the other side, with a 15-minute break for the patient to rest and move around.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

The surgery itself does not cause significant pain, only a slight sting from the initial injection. Post-operatively, there is minimal pain, and patients typically recover well and are very satisfied with the results. However, one patient did not enjoy the surgery, as he felt it diminished the "family look" of his ears, which he should have considered before the procedure.

Cost and Accessibility

I usually perform otoplasty in my office setting to keep the costs manageable for the patient. Since insurance does not typically cover this procedure, having it done in a more accessible setting is beneficial for both the patient and the budget.