Pinnaplasty (Adult)

Pinnaplasty, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure designed to correct protruding ears in adults. The goal of the surgery is to improve the appearance of the ears by repositioning them closer to the head, thereby enhancing overall facial aesthetics.

Indications for Pinnaplasty

• Protruding ears due to underdeveloped or absent antihelical fold (the natural fold of the outer ear)
• Large or protruding ears that are out of proportion with other facial features
• Prominent ears causing psychological distress or self-consciousness
• Asymmetrical ears where one ear is more prominent than the other

Surgical Techniques

There are several surgical techniques used in pinnaplasty, including:

• Traditional otoplasty: This involves making an incision behind the ear and removing or repositioning cartilage to create a more natural fold.
• Cartilage sparing technique: This method preserves the natural cartilage of the ear, instead using sutures to reshape and reposition the ear.
• Perichondrial flap technique: This involves creating a flap from the tissue surrounding the cartilage to help reshape the ear.

Surgical Procedure

The pinnaplasty procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The steps involved in the surgery include:

1. Administering anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the procedure
2. Making an incision behind the ear to access the cartilage
3. Reshaping or repositioning the cartilage as needed to achieve the desired shape and position of the ear
4. Closing the incision with sutures or staples
5. Applying a dressing or bandage to protect the ears during the healing process

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After pinnaplasty, patients can expect:

• Pain and discomfort: Managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon
• Swelling and bruising: Typically resolves within a few weeks
• Dressings and bandages: Usually removed after 1-2 weeks, revealing the newly shaped ears
• Follow-up appointments: Scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove sutures or staples

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, pinnaplasty carries potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Nerve damage or numbness
• Asymmetry or unevenness of the ears
• Recurrence of protruding ears over time

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of pinnaplasty varies depending on factors such as location, surgeon's fees, and anesthesia costs. In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary to correct a birth defect or improve hearing. However, for cosmetic purposes, patients typically need to pay out-of-pocket.