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Phone 512.401.2500 | Fax 512.401.2501
2745 Bee Caves Road, Suite 101
Austin,
Texas
78746
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Question:
What is an incisionless otoplasty?
Answer:
An incisionless otoplasty involves making a small stab incision to insert sutures to mold the ear, rather than opening the skin to place sutures and remove soft tissue to mold the ear. In my opinion, the incisionless surgery offers no advantage as the other scar is behind the ear and heals beautifully. It also allows greater control and flexibility for the procedure and likely a more permanent result.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Where are the incisions located for ear surgery? Are they noticeable?
Answer:
The incisions for ear pinning surgery, otoplasty, are entirely behind the ear and are usually impossible to see. They are not a concern. Certainly there is a risk of more significant scarring, but we have never seen that problem.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
What exactly is ear pinning?
Answer:
Ear pinning is the common term for an otoplasty. Otoplasty is a procedure where ears that protrude from the side of the head farther than desired are reshaped into a more aesthetic position. This is performed with light sedation and local anesthesia through a small incision on the back of the ear. The ears are swollen for about a week to the extent that it is noticeable and then sore for a few more weeks. It is a very reliable and satisfactory procedure.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
My husband, age 25, has one ear that protrudes out extremely. The left ear protrudes somewhat, but not nearly as noticeable as the right. Do you recommend Otoplasty on both ears, or will you match the right ear to the left ear alignment?
Answer:
I would recommend an otoplasty on both ears. The only exception to this is if one ear has completely normal measurements, which is very unusual.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I want to get an ear pinning surgery done to correct my ears. Are the incisions somewhat small? Will they be noticeable if I wear my hair up in a ponytail?
Answer:
The incisions are placed on the back of the ear slightly above the crease. Depending on the severity of the ear protrusion they may be slightly longer or shorter. Regardless of the length of the incision it is imperceptible and will not show with the hair up in a ponytail.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
How long is the typical ear pinning surgery?
Answer:
Ear pinning surgery, otoplasty, usually takes about 1.5 hours. It will sometimes be as short as one hour and sometimes as long as two. The longevity depends on how well the ears "bend" to the new position and how easy it is to match the second ear with the first. Usually it goes very smoothly and the results are excellent.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
What type of ear shape benefits the most from an ear pinning surgery?
Answer:
There are usually two abnormalities in prominent ears. One is that the fold in the ear is too flat and the other is that the base of the ear sticks out too much from the head. The fold is referred to as the anti-helical fold. A patient can simulate the result by molding the ear with their hand. The base of the ear is called the conchal bowl. This can also be pressed closer to the head with the hand. The surgical version of repair creates a more significant fold and moves the conchal bowl closer to the head.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I’d like to get otoplasty. Are there degrees to how much the ears are pinned back? I don’t want them to be flat against my head, but also don’t want them to stick out as much.
Answer:
There are standard published measurements for the ideal distance an ear should be placed from the side of the head. While these provide a useful guide artistry also is important. Achieving a result that improves the appearance of your ears without making them flat should be able to be achieved with otoplasty surgery.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Only one of my ears is protruding. If I were to have otoplasty, would the surgery be performed on one or both ears to make them appear uniform?
Answer:
It depends on what the "normal" ear looks like. If it is truly within normal measurements then surgery can be done on only the protruding ear. If the other ear is protruding also then often times it is better to treat both ears.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I’ve had problems with ear infections my whole life. I’d like to get an ear pinning surgery but was wondering if it would affect my ear troubles.
Answer:
Ear pinning surgery, Otoplasty, will not affect in a favorable or detrimental way an ear that is susceptible to infection.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
