Question:
I’ve heard of both incisionless and traditional techniques for otoplasty. Are the results not as good with the incisionless approach?
Answer:
The incisionless approach for otoplasty certainly adds a degree of uncertainty for the result. As with most procedures, certain individuals are masters of a particular technique and get excellent results, however since the incision for otoplasty is placed entirely behind the ear and usually heals in an imperceptible manner, we do not feel that the incisionless technique adds any advantage.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
What is incisionless otoplasty? What types of ears are best suited for this procedure?
Answer:
An incisionless otoplasty is a procedure where small needle insertions are created whereby suture is passed into the cartilage and tightened to fold the ear into a more pleasing shape. Soft pliable ears with a smaller degree of required improvement are best. In general though the procedure is more difficult and perhaps has less predictable and shorter lasting results. It is not a time tested procedure. When considering performing a procedure with less of an incision, I always ask if the lack of an incision is worth the added uncertainty. In this case I don’t think so. The incision for a traditional otoplasty is placed behind the ear exactly in the crease. It heals so well that even with inspection it is hard to find. I therefore don’t feel that the incisionless technique is beneficial and prefer to make an incision.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
My daughter is seven years old and has ears that stick out from her face. She’s always being teased about her ears, and my husband and I are contemplating an ear pinning procedure for her. I heard that the younger someone is, the easier this type of surgery is. Could you please tell me if this is true or not?
Answer:
The procedure you are referring to is called an otoplasty. The procedure is slightly easier in younger patients as the ear cartilage is more pliable. This is not a good reason to push someone into the procedure however as the procedure is only minimally more difficult in adults and equally successful. Seven is certainly old enough to have an otoplasty however, and if your daughter is interested and willing it is certainly a rewarding procedure for both the patient and physician.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I am scheduled for otoplasty with local anesthesia. Where is the anesthesia injected? How many shots are normally given? Are the shots painful?
Answer:
The local anesthetic is injected mostly behind the ear, but also a small amount in front. 4-5 injections are usually given on each side and the shots are moderately painful, but tolerated. We usually will give some oral medication to ease the discomfort of the injections.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
My youngest daughter is very uncomfortable with her lopsided ears and complains about them on a daily basis. What type of ear surgery is used to correct uneven ears?
Answer:
There are different deformities in the ears that can be referred to as uneven. If the ears stick out from the head a different amount then an otoplasty can be used to make the ears more even. If one ear is truly lower than the other in where it is attached to the head, that is not correctable.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
