A skilfully performed otoplasty can have immediate and dramatic results which transform the lives of patients suffering from ears that stick out or a range of other deformities. This is a procedure with a very high level of success and minimal complications.

Procedure Time: 1 - 1.5 Hours

Downtime: 7 to 10 days

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More About Otoplasty (ear-pinning)

Boost your confidence and self-esteem with a simple ear-pinning procedure! Otoplasty – or ear-pinning – is a minor procedure which can have major results, not only on the physical appearance of the patient, but also on their self-confidence and psychological well-being.

The procedure is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic and takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, but could leave you or your child with long-lasting benefits.

What is Otoplasty surgery?

Otoplasty surgery begins with the surgeon making a minor incision just behind the ear. This exposes the cartilage which connects the ear’s structure to that of the main portion of the head, and allows the surgeon to carefully reposition the ear.

With the ear expertly repositioned by Dr Liew, stitches are inserted to hold the ear in its new position, and a dressing is applied to protect the area while it heals. Usually the surgeon will simply restructure the cartilage in the ear to achieve a more streamlined effect, but in more severe cases, a larger piece of cartilage may need to be removed.

When is Otoplasty Most Effective?

Ear-pinning procedures are most effective when carried out on children aged between 4 and 14. At this age, the ear is almost fully grown, but maintains the malleability of early childhood, creating the ideal set of conditions and materials for the surgeon to work with.

This is also the age when schoolyard bullying and taunting becomes more frequent. Getting picked on because of the prominence of their ears is an unpleasant experience for any child, and one that can leave long-lasting psychological scars. Otoplasty can help the child avoid the risk of such name-calling and bullying, and can boost their confidence in general.

At Shape Clinic, we assess each case individually. Younger children who may be frightened by the procedure may need to receive a general anaesthetic before the surgery is carried out, but for most older children and adults, only a local anaesthetic will be required.

What Happens Next?

Due to the basic nature of the procedure, most Otoplasty treatments are carried out in less than two hours and you or your child will not need to spend the night in hospital following the surgery.

Dr Liew will hold a post-operative consultation, during which you will be informed about all the measures you need to take to ensure the best results post-procedure. Most patients will be able to return to school or work in less than a week after the surgery is completed, and all swelling and discomfort should be gone within 10 days.

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