Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Ear Pinning

What is ear pinning?

Ear surgery (otoplasty) is a type of cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. It improves the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. Ear pinning is aimed at setting prominent ears closer to the head, or reducing the size of larger ears. But other ear problems can also be helped with this type of plastic surgery. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.

Who are candidates for ear pinning?

Otoplasty is usually done on children between the ages of 5 and 6. But it's also done for adults.

Possible complications linked to ear pinning

Possible complications linked to ear pinning may include:

  • Blood clots on the ears

  • Infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form

  • Recurrence of the prominent ears (the risk is higher in adults than children)

About the procedure

Although each procedure varies, generally, ear pinning surgeries alter the cartilage just behind the ear. In some cases, cartilage and skin might be removed. In other cases, stitches are used to hold the cartilage permanently in place.

Where the procedure may be done

  • Surgeon's office-based surgical facility

  • Outpatient surgery center

  • Hospital outpatient

  • Hospital inpatient

Anesthesia choices

  • General anesthesia for children

  • Local anesthesia combined with a sedative for adults, which lets the person remain awake but relaxed

How long will it take?

  • Several hours or longer

Some possible short-term side effects of surgery

  • Throbbing in the ears

  • Aching or mild discomfort

To avoid putting pressure on your ears, you may not be able to sleep on your side. You may need to wear a headband for several weeks.

Online Medical Reviewer: David Lickstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.