Safe Ear Pinning in Newport Beach, California

Ear pinning, also called ear surgery, is a surgical procedure that corrects protruding ears. Most people have prominent ears due to excessive ear cartilage or underdeveloped antihelical folds. While there are no functional problems associated with protruding ears, it can cause lower self-confidence and reduced self-esteem.

During an ear pinning procedure, the position of the ears is adjusted to make the ears more balanced compared to the face. Every procedure is customized to ensure that the ears match the rest of the face. This permanent change can cause a big confidence boost in adult and youth patients alike.

Ear Pinning – Frequently Asked Questions

What causes ears to appear oversized or protruding?

Oversized or protruding ears is one of the most common birth abnormalities. If the ears protrude from the lobes, creating elongated earlobes, then a surgeon will need to go in and reduce the side of the earlobes. For most patients, their protruding ears are caused by a buildup of cartilage on or behind the ears, which causes the ears to stick out. The ears naturally grow in size as people age, but children can also be born with larger than normal ears.

Is there a non-surgical solution to protruding ears?

There is no non-surgical, permanent solution for protruding ears. Certain surgical techniques use minimal incisions in order to reduce scarring and shorten the recovery time. There are products, like ear tape, which can be used daily to temporarily pin back the ears. Dr. Qazi recommends ear pinning surgery as a permanent solution to protruding ears.

Who is a good candidate for ear pinning?

A good candidate for ear pinning surgery is anyone who feels embarrassed about their large or protruding ears and is prepared to undergo surgery to fix them. The best candidates are individuals who are in good physical health, are able to take some time off for the surgery, and who have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Will the procedure be painful?

Ear pinning is usually performed under local anesthesia to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. After the surgery, the treatment area may feel sore or itchy.Any discomfort can be managed with a prescribed pain killer, over-the-counter medications, and by applying a cold compress to the ears.

What can I expect for my recovery?

Patients are discharged with bandages wrapped around the head to protect the treated area. Once the bandages come off, patients must wear a support headband for 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks, patients are normally able to return to their normal activities, including work or school. Normal exercise can also resume. Dr. Qazi recommends that patients avoid contact sports, such as football, wrestling, or boxing for at least a month after the surgery.

How is ear pinning surgery performed?

Ear pinning surgery is performed differently depending on the patients, their unique cosmetic concern, and the cause of their protruding ears. In most cases, prominent ears are caused by extra cartilage. For such patients, your surgeon will remove the extra cartilage from behind the ears and secure the ears into a position closer to the head.

When prominent ears are caused by another factor, such as cartilage buildup on the ears themselves, then the surgical team will need to resize the ears.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, the results of ear pinning surgery are permanent.

What are the potential risks and side effects of ear pinning surgery?

Ear pinning is a common and straightforward surgery that comes with relatively few side effects. Possible ear pinning complications include: asymmetry of the ears, overcorrection, changes in sensation near the ears, hematoma, scarring, and poor wound healing.

What should I do to prepare for the procedure?

Patients are required to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery. It is recommended that patients avoid taking blood thinners, as well as alcohol, coffee, and certain herbal treatments because these can increase bruising and excess bleeding. On the day of the surgery, patients will need to not eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for ear pinning?

Schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to learn more about ear pinning. During a consultation, Dr. Qazi determines if patients are a good candidate for ear pinning and will make a specific recommendation.

Is there an age limit to who can get ear pinning surgery?

There is no upper age limit to ear pinning surgery as long as the patient is physically healthy. Some children and teens undergo ear pinning to treat their protruding ears. Most children who get ear pinning are between the ages of 4 and 14 years old. While the procedure is safe for kids and teens, it is important to evaluate their mental, emotional, and physical ability to handle the surgery and the recovery. That decision should be made by the parents and the child’s pediatrician, with input from the surgical team.

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