Contact Us
760.773.3400

Ear Plastic Surgery Procedure Steps | Houston, TexasOtoplasty, also called ear pinning, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape the ears to develop a more attractive and balanced facial appearance. 

The surgeon may use multiple surgical techniques to undertake the otoplasty procedure. The steps of the procedure may vary slightly based on the technique used. 

At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will explain the ear reshaping surgery as well as the steps involved in the procedure to the patient. The patient should unhesitatingly ask the surgeon any questions that they may have about the surgery or the surgeon’s credentials to make an enlightened choice.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear reshaping surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities. 

 

Anesthesia 

A majority of ear reshaping procedures will be relatively less invasive and necessitate only local anesthesia with sedation for an adult patient. But in the case of children, the surgeon will typically undertake this procedure using general anesthesia. 

An anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist will administer the general anesthesia as well as oversee the entire procedure to monitor the patient’s response to the anesthetic. Otoplasty surgery usually takes less than two hours to complete. 

 

Incision and Cartilage Reshaping

The surgeon will begin the ear pinning plastic surgery after anesthesia by making an incision behind the ear. They will make this incision in a discreet manner to make sure that any future scarring remains hidden. The incision will give the surgeon access to the ear cartilage to allow them to reshape it properly.

The surgeon will reshape the cartilage in a precise and delicate manner to enhance the symmetry and proportion of the ears. If the ears are oversized, a large amount of cartilage may be removed. The surgeon will eliminate loose skin through the same incisions.

 

Ear Repositioning

If the ear is quite protuberant, the surgeon will need to reposition it closer to the sides of the head after cartilage reshaping. This is called ear pinning.

This step will typically involve cartilage sparing and scoring techniques in combination with removing skin from the back of the ear. The surgeon will customize the techniques to achieve the desired shape and position of the ears in a minimally invasive way.

 

Incision Closure 

Once the reshaping is complete, the surgeon will use absorbable or traditional sutures to close the incisions and then wrap the incision site in bandages temporarily.

 

Outpatient Procedure

Once the surgery is complete, the patient will be shifted to a recovery area. They may be able to go home in a few hours after the initial effects of the surgery and anesthesia wear off.

The patient should ask a responsible individual to drive them home after the surgery. If the patient is a child, the surgeon may ask them to remain at the hospital overnight for close monitoring.

Ear reshaping surgery may involve further steps if it is a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or repair injuries such as lacerations, burns, or infected and torn piercings.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for otoplasty.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.