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Otoplasty Procedure for Prominent Ear Deformity
Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is performed as a short outpatient procedure at Hughes Plastic Surgery. The ear pinning procedure is used to treat prominent ear deformity in which the ears have varying degrees of separation from the side of the head. Dr. Hughes has performed dozens of these procedures, although the procedure is not nearly as common as other plastic surgery procedures. Make sure that the plastic surgeon you select for your ear pinning surgery has performed and does perform these surgeries on a regular basis.
Otoplasty Can Refer to Correction of Several Ear Deformities
Ear correction procedures involve a host of deformities, including the most common prominent ear deformity. The prominent ear deformity has several varieties and patients complain of ears that stick out. See the before and after ear pinning photo galleries to get an idea of this deformity. The ears are remodeled with a variety of surgical techniques including cartilage removal and stitch remodeling to achieve natural-appearing ears without any noticeable scars. The incision for the procedure is hidden on the back of the ear.
Other ear deformities may include a very large ear known as macrotia. This ear deformity can be reduced in size by removing both skin and cartilage.
Patients may have a lop ear deformity or cup ear deformity. In this instance, the ear is somewhat constricted and depending upon the degree of constriction, the surgery can be very straightforward or very difficult. If the ear is very deficient in length, grafts or flaps may be necessary to increase the length of the upper pole of the ear.
It is important to realize that no two deformities are the same. Dr. Hughes will formulate a surgical plan that is just for you.
Otoplasty Surgery Day
In general, the surgical procedure takes about one hour or less and can be performed with only local anesthesia. However, some of the more complicated surgeries can take several hours to complete. An additional benefit to the patient is that he or she can drive him or herself to and from the procedure.
Otoplasty Recovery
The downtime is minimal. One should expect about 1 week of bruising and swelling. However complete healing can take 6 weeks or more, and patients should be very careful in not bumping or traumatizing the ears during recovery.
What is the Cost of Otoplasty (Bilateral Ear Pinning)
- $7500 to $12,000
Please note that pricing for Otoplasty (Bilateral Ear Pinning) may vary based on the individual needs of the patient.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
- STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing. It is best to avoid smoking, second hand smoke and cigarette replacements, such as nicotine patches or gum, in the perioperative period. While you should ideally stop smoking for 2 weeks before and after your surgical procedure, YOU MUST NOT SMOKE FOR A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS BEFORE AND 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.
- TAKE MULTIVITAMINS: Start taking multivitamins twice daily to improve your general health once you have scheduled your surgery.
- TAKE VITAMIN C: Start taking 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily to promote healing.
- DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
- LIMIT VITAMIN E: Limit your intake of Vitamin E to less than 400 mg per day.
- FILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS: You will be given prescriptions for medications. Please have them filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you.
- CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be at home or at your office, please call us to confirm at (310) 275-4170.
- PRESCRIPTIONS: Make sure that you have filled the prescriptions you were given and set the medications out to bring with you tomorrow. Make sure to have the number for your pharmacy ready so that if Dr. Hughes and associates need to call in any special medications for you on your day of surgery they will have that information readily available.
- CLEANSING: The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with an antibacterial soap such as Dial, Safeguard, pHisoHex, or Phase II I.
- EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight except for a small amount of water to rinse your mouth while brushing your teeth.
- SPECIAL INFORMATION: Do not eat or drink anything! If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning.
- ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.
- CLEANS ING: Shower and wash the surgical areas again with an antibacterial soap such as Dial, Safeguard, pHisoHex, or Phase Ill.
- MAKE-UP: Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions, or makeup.
- CLOTHING: Wear only comfortable, loose-fining clothing that does not go over your head. NO TIGHT PANTS. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you.
- CHECK IN/PREPARATION: Surgery Time:
- You should plan to arrive 1 hour earlier than your scheduled surgery time. Patients less than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. When you arrive at our office on the day of your surgery, give the receptionist the phone number of the pharmacy you would like us to call for any special medications Dr. Hughes and associates might prescribe.
- CARETAKER: Someone must spend the first night after surgery with you.
OTOPLASTY POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
ACTIVITY
- The first week you will need to rest frequently. You need to walk around the house every 2 hours as tolerated.
- For the first week post-op sleep on your back with your head elevated. Do not sleep on your sides.
- Avoid picking anything up greater than 1-2 lbs the first two weeks.
- You may not drive the first week or while you are taking pain medication. After that it will depend on your ability to handle a car without causing any discomfort. You should wear your seatbelt at all times.
- No strenuous activity or exercise for at least 2-3 weeks after your surgery.
- No smoking. This will interfere with your healing.
DIET
- Eat light the first 24 hours, clear liquids advancing to a regular diet as tolerated.
- If you have persistent nausea stick to a bland diet until it subsides..
- The pain medicine may cause constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. You may take any over the counter laxatives or stool softeners as needed.
DRESSINGS
- Keep the head dressing on for 2 days. You may remove the head dressing on day 2. If there is discomfort or tightness prior to day 2 , the head dressing may be removed or adjusted.
- It is normal to have numbness over the surgical sites for several weeks or months.
- Do not use a heating pad or ice around the surgical sites. It could cause a burn.
- You may not shower the first 2 days – sponge bathe only, until dressings are removed at your first post-op visit.
MEDICATIONS
- Take your antibiotic until it is completed. Antibiotics should be taken with food at each dose.
- If the pain medication is a narcotic it should be taken as prescribed. Do not take any Tylenol while on pain medication. The medication we prescribe may already have Tylenol in it.
- Do not drink alcohol or drive a car while taking pain medication.
- The pain medication may cause nausea and should be taken with food at each dose.
- You may resume your regular medication after your surgery except for Vitamin E, Fish oil and Aspirin (wait at least 5 days post-op).
CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE:
- A temperature greater than 101.5 degrees.
- Excessive bleeding from the incision.
- A sudden increase in drainage, pain, or swelling around the incision site or the surrounding area.
- If you have persistent vomiting.