Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery is generally performed to pin back and reduce the size of large and/or protruding ears that may cause an unaesthetic appearance.
Important: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Before/after photos are for reference purpose only and are subject to Copy Right laws. Individual results may vary.
How is Otoplasty or Ear Lobe repair performed?
Local anaesthetic is injected with a very fine needle. Once the area is numb, the excess tissue is excised using radio wave surgery device. There is virtually no pain associated with this procedure once the area is fully numb. The incision is then maticulously repaired using fine stitching on the front and the back of the ears. Stitches are removed in 5 to 7 days.
"Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love..." D. Rock 63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes - Salt Lake City, UT
How long will my ear lobe repair take?
Otoplasty takes between 1 to 2 hours.
Earlobe repair surgery takes about 30–60 minutes.
What are the risks associated with this surgery?
Infection is the biggest risk with ear surgery. We advise our patients to keep a close eye on the treated area during the healing phase, to keep it clean and notify us immediately if there are any signs of infection. Oral antibiotics are warranted if infection occurs. There are some other rare complication which are discussed with the patient at the time of consultation. This includes delayed healing, scar formation and under or over correction.
Who should not undergo ear lobe repair?
The following patients are advised to avoid any elective cosmetic surgery:
Patients prone to chronic infections.
Patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Patients who have active cold sores.
Those who are taking systemic steroids.
Those taking anti-coagulant medication.
Patients with history of keloid scarring.
Patients undergoing a psychological stress.
(If there is any doubt, please discuss this with our doctor).
Earlobe Repair (Stretched or Split Earlobe Repair)
Earlobe repair is a quick and effective cosmetic surgery procedure to correct ears stretched by tribal ear piercing (flesh tunnels) or split earlobes torn when normal earrings rip.
What is Earlobe Repair?
Wearing earrings will, in some cases, over time, result in stretching of the earlobes and stretching of the earlobe piercings. Accidental pull on earrings can also result in a rip in the earlobe. Finally, modern ear piercing fashions can lead to varying degrees of earlobe deformities and splits.
As the shape of the ear and earlobe should always be considered, not only in terms of sex and race, but also age, a repair is performed to try to return the earlobe to as normal an anatomical appearance as possible. This may involve the resection of scar tissue, freshening of margins, removal and reconstruction of the earlobe and other techniques.
How do split earlobes or stretched piercings impact life?
Although the human body has amazing abilities to return to a “normal” size after weight gain and weight loss, similar stretching of piercings may not always allow the tissues to return to their normal size and shape. In particular, excessively long piercings or large holes created for large ornamental earrings will result in abnormally shaped earlobes which can be difficult to hide. This can affect your appearance, social life, or even work.
How are earlobes repaired?
These repairs are generally performed using local anesthesia and may take about 20 minutes per earlobe. Varying techniques are used to repair earlobes, varying from resection of a part of the earlobe followed by repair to local resection of lining and layered closure. With larger dilated holes, an “M”-plasty or “W”-plasty repair is performed to give an irregular scar which looks best. Rotational flaps are sometimes used to give the earlobe its contour back again. The sutures used will be a combination of deep and superficial, dissolving and sutures that are removed a few weeks later.
"I had a excellent eye lift done by Dr. Patel. He knows what he is doing and is very pleasant. Dr.Patel was easy to get an appointment and he works with you. The office staff was very pleasant and made you feel calm." D. Gull Highly recommended for eye lift surgery - Salt Lake City, UT
When can I re-pierce my earlobes?
A piercing away from the site of repair may be performed within three months of repair. However, any piercing close to the site of repair should be delayed for six months.
How will my scars look?
After your sutures are removed, the scars tend to be a little thickened and somewhat pink: this settles over time. Over a few months, the healing will result in an
almost invisible scar.
When can I wear earrings?
Clip-on earrings may be worn within two to four weeks.