Otoplasty For Children

If you have a child that has abnormal or “Dumbo Ears” due to birth defects, then options are available to to have the problem corrected. Otoplasty or ear pinning is a procedure available to help correct and normalize the ears of the child.

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is able to reduce the size of the ears. It also has the ability to reshape the ear and give them some proportionality to the head and the face. Aside from making big ears smaller it is also able to increase the size of ears that are too small.

By the time a child reaches the age of six, their ears generally have reached 90% of its adult size. As a result of this, most otoplasty procedures on kids are done when the child is around 4 or 5 years of age. Most surgeons will perform the surgery on child around that age. It is best to have the surgery as early as possible as the cartilage is much easier to shape. This can lead to more satisfying results.

At the first consultation with the plastic surgeon, he will look at the structure of the child’s ear. From here he will determine if surgery needs to be done on one ear. More than often the surgeon will determine that surgery is done on the two ears as a way to keep the symmetry of the face. Parents should be aware that having otoplasty done on the child will not affect their ability to hear. It can actually improve their overall hearing.

At the time of the surgery the plastic surgeon will put the child under general anesthesia. If it is an older child then they will usually be put under local anesthesia along with a mild sedative. Over the course of a few hours, the plastic surgeon will make an incision behind the ear. If the ear is going to be reduced then the surgeon will remove some skin and cartilage. The left over cartilage is reshaped if needed and the skin is sewn back into place at the original incision site.

Once the Otoplasty surgery is over, the child’s head will be wrapped with a bandage. The purpose of the bandage is to keep the ears in place in its new position. This will also help to speed the healing. After a couple of days it is recommended to visit the doctor as he will put a lighter bandage on the child. The doctor will also recommend a list of things that need to be done to the child’s ears after the surgery. It is very important that these instructions are followed carefully.
There are very little risks associated with Otoplasty (ear pinning) and the results of the surgery will have the child experiencing some minor bruising, swelling and tenderness. There are various types of pain medication that can be used to ease the discomfort the child may experience. It should be noted that the scar will hardly be noticed as it will be hidden by the folds of the skin.

Otoplasty will not only correct the problem, but will help a great deal with the self-esteem of the child. They will have a normal life and not have to deal with the constant teasing about their ears. Ear pinning surgery may be regarded as a cosmetic procedure but the benefits are so much more. Children who have the procedure done will have more self confidence and lead happier lives as they get older.