Washington DC Otoplasty - Ear Pinning
Otoplasty is surgery to correct protruding ears. Most people's ears project about two centimeters from the head. As some children grow, however, their ears protrude noticeably further. Approximately ninety percent of ear growth is completed by age three, and corrective surgery may be performed anytime after this point. Most commonly, it is performed at age five or six, but can be performed even into adulthood.
Otoplasty changes the shape of underlying ear cartilage by removing portions of it or by forming normal folds of the ear where they are absent. Protruding ears can be corrected by reshaping the underlying cartilage.
After surgery, you will have a turban-type head dressing that will remain in place for three to five days. When that dressing is removed, you will wear a light dressing over the ears. Children may prefer to wear a ski-type headband. You will be able to shower as soon as this turban dressing is removed. Your ears will be wrapped at night for three weeks after surgery, when healing should be almost complete. There are rare Instances of mild recurrence of the protruding ear which can be easily corrected under local anesthesia. Most bruising and swelling will resolve in ten to fourteen days. You may resume your normal exercise about two weeks after surgery, but you should avoid contact athletics for six weeks.
