Article At A Glance
- Children aged four to 14 are the best candidates for the surgery.
- Due to their ear tissue being more pliable, the procedure is more accessible for surgeons.
- Otoplasty offers a relatively safe solution to improve a child’s appearance.
Overview
Are you considering ear pinning surgery, otherwise known as otoplasty, for your child? Discover what makes a child a good candidate for this surgical procedure in this helpful guide. We’ll review the basics of the surgery and the recovery period so you can better understand if your child is the ideal candidate.
Why Are Children Good Otoplasty Candidates?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that makes large, protruding ears less prominent. A plastic surgeon removes excess cartilage, which brings the ears closer to the head instead of sticking out as much. The procedure can help repair certain birth defects that impact the function of the ear, but in general, it’s used for cosmetic purposes.
If you’re worried about otoplasty surgery for a child, the good news is that children often make the best candidates for cosmetic ear surgery. Children ages four and 14 have more pliable tissue and cartilage within the ears. The tissue becomes tougher as we age, creating more challenges for ear surgeons.
Will They Follow the Rules for Recovery?
Like all major procedures, ear pinning surgery has a fairly lengthy recovery time. The recovery requires following a surgeon’s post-operative instructions, such as taking pain medication and wearing a headband to help with site swelling. Young children are not always compliant with these rules and may refuse medication or try removing the headband before the incision site has a chance to heal.
If your child can’t follow these instructions, cosmetic ear surgery may not be a wise choice. You could wait until they’re older and more likely to comply with post-operative instructions. Doctors suggest otoplasty surgery for a child when patients can comply and do what’s necessary for a proper recovery.
Otoplasty During Childhood Has Its Advantages
Why does ear pinning surgery tend to favor pediatric patients rather than adults? Doctors note a few key advantages of operating on a child’s prominent ears, including:
- Giving them more confidence in their appearance
- Working with more pliable ear tissue
- Having a high success rate and low risk of infection
Otoplasty is a relatively safe procedure that can improve your child’s life. Children with protruding ears can be the victims of teasing at school. During their formative years, relentless teasing and bullying over the size or shape of their ears can drag down their confidence and impact their mental health. A simple surgery to reduce the size of large ears can help your child grow up feeling more secure about their appearance. Some children may be excited about the surgery if they already have trouble with their peers teasing them about their ears.
Another major benefit of otoplasty for children is that their ear tissue is ideal. Unlike other body parts still developing throughout adolescence, ear development is often complete by age four. The cartilage that surgeons remove during otoplasty is much more manageable at a young age and becomes more rigid as we age.
After Ear Pinning Surgery
Otoplasty has a high success rate, meaning your child can enjoy the rest of their life with ears closer to their head instead of sticking out prominently. The surgery does require some important aftercare steps to ensure a successful recovery. Only when your child can comply with these steps can they reap the full benefits of the procedure.
The best way for the incision site to heal after surgery is to keep bandages over the ears for a short period. After the bandages come off, the ears will likely be red and swollen, and your child could have mild discomfort. Your doctor often recommends using a special headband to reduce the swelling and let the ears heal in their new position.
Your child should inform you if they’re in pain at any point after the procedure. Surgeons can prescribe pain relievers so the recovery is manageable. If your child is unwilling to take pills, your doctor can recommend liquid medication to minimize post-operative pain and discomfort.
As they recover, children will need to limit strenuous activity. They may also need to change their bathing habits to avoid getting their ears and bandages wet. A plastic surgeon can explain all aftercare instructions during an initial consultation so you can determine if you and your child can abide by them.
How Long Will the Procedure and Recovery Last?
Ear pinning surgery only takes about an hour to perform. It’s an outpatient procedure, so your child can go home that same day and start the recovery process. It is in your best interest to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon before the procedure to fully understand the process and timeline.
The procedure generally involves removing or reshaping cartilage so the ears appear closer to the head. Your child will come out of the surgery with a bandage over their ears to reduce swelling at the incision site. Doctors recommend wearing a headband for the first week to minimize swelling.
In the immediate days after surgery, your child may experience pain, which you can treat with medication. They should take it easy during recovery and avoid sports and other strenuous activities. The recovery will last until the doctor removes the stitches, typically a few weeks after the procedure.
The recovery period can be lengthy, but once it’s over, your child will have less prominent ears they can enjoy for the rest of their life.
Additional Read: Everything You Need to Know About Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)
Take Your Time and Talk To an Expert
Having your child endure plastic surgery is a huge decision. It’s not one that you should make lightly or without research. To learn more about ear pinning surgery, speak with an experienced plastic surgeon who can explain the procedure and discuss your child’s candidacy.
Dr. Douglas Sidle at Northwestern Facial Plastic Surgery can answer all your questions regarding this procedure. Call our practice at (312) 695-8182 to schedule a consultation and receive more information.
