What is pinnaplasty surgery?

Pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and resizes the pinna (external ear) and sometimes the concha (the bowl-shaped outer ear). There are many reasons you may need or want to get this procedure. You might want to change the shape of your ears, remove earlobe wrinkles, repair a torn earlobe, or repair an injury from a piercing. This is the best way to safely and effectively correct any issue that you are experiencing with your ears.

Protruding ears is another common reason why pinnaplasty can be done and it is affecting 1-2% of the population. If you’re born with large, not-set ears and they project out of both sides of your head, chances are that you may have the ear protrusion condition. The degree of ear protrusion can vary greatly and affect one or both ears.

The ears are composed of cartilage with overlying skin. If there is an issue with cartilage formation while the baby is developing in the womb, this could result in protruding ears.

Although there are no functional problems with prominent ears, there can be considerable psychological problems associated with them, which usually stem from suffering childhood teasing. This makes the child become self-conscious and is a reason why a corrective surgery called a pinnaplasty is done.

Correction in cases where there are obvious aesthetic deformities is important to enhance quality of life, self-esteem, and social interactions. It is important to correct significantly protruding ears, as in the short-term teasing can lead to upset, but in the long term it can lead to negative perception of self-image and self-worth.

The operation

Usually in the NHS a child will be referred to an ENT surgeon or Plastic surgeon for consideration of pinnaplasty. The surgeon will explain all the risks, benefits, and potential complications before taking consent to proceed. Hip surgery is typically performed as an outpatient surgery and it takes up to 3 hours. Some people mention that it can take 5 hours in some cases.

A pinnaplasty should be performed on children over the age of six, as by this stage, their ear cartilage has matured and is not as open to change. A general anaesthetic is needed, and an incision is made behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then re-modelled. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the skin behind the ear and a head bandage is applied for about 2 weeks so that the ears can heal in their newly set positions. The scar is hidden in back of the ear.

Post-operatively, hair can be washed after 2 weeks, but special attention must be given to cleaning and drying the site of operation well to reduce the risk of infection. Swimming should be avoided for 6 weeks and contact sports should be avoided for 8 weeks. There are no restrictions to travelling by plane.

The timing of surgery is critical in that, if it is done early, it avoids the psychological impact of bullying on the child, but enough time should be given to assess whether the child perceives their ears as a problem in the first place.If the child feels self-conscious about their ears, they are more likely to co-operate with the post-operative headband and instructions and be pleased with the results of their aesthetic surgery after realizing the benefits.

Alternatives

In very young babies, because the ear cartilage is immature and soft, re-modelling may be achieved with moulds or splints.

Corrective surgery via pinnaplasty is usually the best option, but some parents/clinicians will try moulds and splints in infants who are too young for the surgery.

Adults who are deemed to suffer significant psychological distress in relation to their prominent ears can undergo pinnaplasty on the NHS. For these cases, each is treated as an individual case and a decision is made accordingly. Most adults who want a corrective pinnaplasty are operated on privately.

Prognosis

Generally, there is an excellent rate of satisfaction after successful surgery. Many patients display improved self-esteem, social interactions, and integration with their peers in school and leisure activities allowing them to live a more fulfilling and well-rounded youth. There is a reduction in reported psychological issues associated with prominent ears.