Otoplasty
Toronto’s Sovereign Cosmetic Surgery is home to specialized, experienced facial plastic surgeons who regularly perform otoplasty (ear) surgery for patients of all ages.
Pinnaplasty (Ear Pinning)
Otoplasty is also known as pinnaplasty, or ear pinning. The problem of large or protruding ears is common and may have caused you to struggle with self-consciousness or attempts to hide your ears from a young age. Thankfully, ear pinning in Toronto is a straightforward day surgery that delivers dramatic improvement through a simple procedure.
The ideal proportion and projection of ears can have a beautiful impact on one’s appearance and allow any hairstyle, earrings, and confidence when facing the world. Corrective ear surgery isn’t discussed as often as some popular cosmetic surgeries like rhinoplasty or facelift. However, otoplasty is a unique elective surgery in that it takes less than 1 hour, heals with nearly imperceptible scars, and can completely transform your appearance.
You’re invited to schedule a personalized, private consultation at Sovereign Cosmetic Surgery. Discover what makes otoplasty a satisfying, in-demand procedure and how it might improve life for you.
Otoplasty – What Causes Protruding Ears?
If you’ve developed tricks to hide and cover your ears since childhood, you know that adopting hairstyles or even wearing a hat won’t always work. Why do the ears stick out so persistently? The cartilage that forms the bowl of the ear is usually the cause. This tough, resilient tissue isn’t soft like the skin of your earlobes. Instead, cartilage is firm and bounces back no matter how often you try to pin it down.
A proportionately optimal distance for an ear to stand out from the side of the head is less than 2 cm. The human ear has multiple folds consisting of firm and soft tissue. Located mid-ear is the conchal bowl. Variations in size or shape can make this bowl deeper or larger, known as a hypertrophic conchal bowl. To improve the issue, the cartilage forming the section of the ear leading to the canal must be reduced so that the ear will sit closer to the head.
Additionally, lop-ear deformity occurs when a poorly developed antihelical (upper ear cartilage) fold flares the ear out rather than folding the upper portion back toward the head.
What Is Otoplasty?
As we mentioned, one of the surgical methods used to reshape and reposition the ears closer to the head is called otoplasty, or pinnaplasty. This cosmetic procedure treats the outer ear cartilage to reshape it. Though it may sound as though the ears are simply “pinned” down, the careful excision and reconstruction of cartilage are usually performed to allow natural and lasting repositioning. This treatment is entirely external, so the inner ear structures and hearing are unaffected by it.
There is more than one method used to set back ears. Each individual patient’s anatomy plus surgeon techniques will determine your best approach.
The otoplasty surgeon who you consult with will explain the various options that you may have and the outcomes that you can expect. Ranging from minimal incisions made under local anaesthetic to a slightly longer surgery performed under general anaesthetic, each method typically results in well-hidden incision lines and straightforward recovery.
Otoplasty Methods
A less invasive approach known as incisionless otoplasty can produce satisfying results for some patients. During the procedure, the ear cartilage is adjusted through small incisions that allow the surgeon access under the skin. The cartilage is positioned where desired and is held back firmly with strong, permanent sutures. Cartilage may be scored to create minor cuts, which trigger strong scar tissue to form and assist with holding tissue in place.
The work done internally isn’t visible externally, and recovery is typically fast due to minimal trauma or incisions. A headband may be required for 2 to 3 weeks to help the ears heal in place.
When more substantial changes must be made to the ear to achieve the desired results, the removal of some cartilage will be required. Particularly in cases where the ears are larger than desired and the conchal bowl is very deep or hypertrophic, selective surgical reshaping creates a more proportionate ear that will move easily into the desired position. Incisions are made behind the ear and are sutured together once the reshaping is complete. These scars remain discreetly in natural creases behind the ear, and they usually can’t be seen by others, even if you have a short hairstyle.
Otoplasty Candidates
If the shape or size of your ears makes you self-conscious, there are effective ways to improve how they look and how you feel about them.
Otoplasty patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations for undergoing surgery and recovery. Though the healing phase after ear-pinning surgery is considered to be rapid and uncomplicated, care must be taken to understand and follow post-operative instructions. Time off work and regular activities will usually be recommended for 1 week. As well, some disruption to physical activity such as fitness routines will be advised.
Children can undergo otoplasty, but consultation with caregivers and the cosmetic surgeon will help determine if this is the right time to intervene based on physical and mental development. Your surgeon will explain the considerations to be aware of for this procedure, including the risk of infection or results that do not meet expectations.
Otoplasty Recovery
You’ll awake in our Sovereign recovery suite with your nurse by your side. Once you feel ready to return home, a friend or family member may accompany you. You’ll have a few simple instructions to follow and a prescription for pain medication plus an antibiotic.
You may have gauze wrapped around your head or a soft compression bandage. Non-dissolvable dressings will be removed at your 1-week follow-up appointment. You’ll have care instructions to gently wash and protect your incisions while they heal. For roughly 2 weeks, we’ll ask you to avoid swimming, hot tubs, and submerging your head in a bath, as these things can increase the risk of infection.
Most pinnaplasty patients report very little pain, but you can expect most swelling to develop and peak at roughly 3 days after surgery. The majority of inflammation will be resolved in 2 weeks. We’ll see you for follow-up appointments at regular intervals, and we’re always free to answer questions during recovery.
Sovereign Cosmetic Surgery Otoplasty Consultation
Your otoplasty consultation will take place at our beautiful downtown Toronto surgical centre. Our expansive, brand-new facility is designed with your comfort and VIP treatment in mind. Elegant, open spaces and numerous private sunlit suites welcome you for your private discussion and an exam to plan ear correction.
Our fully accredited surgical centre houses two full OHP (out-of-hospital premises) level 3 surgical suites and a luxe recovery room where you’ll rest after your procedure before returning home or to your hotel. We welcome questions and will ensure that you have all the information you need to make a confident decision about your cosmetic enhancement.
When you’re ready to proceed with your otoplasty, our caring team members will provide flexible booking options, a surgical quote, and medical financing information if you desire.
Our handpicked Sovereign team is experienced and dedicated to making your cosmetic surgery experience warm, positive, and unparalleled.
Pure
Quality – Aesthetics – Professionalism
You’re invited to contact Sovereign Cosmetic Surgery to learn about otoplasty and find out if it could be the solution for ears that you’ll be proud to show off. We’ll be happy to schedule the next available consultation appointment for you.
