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Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)

IN PHILADELPHIA AND NEW JERSEY

If your ears protrude excessively from the side of your head (prominent ears or outstanding ears), ear pinning surgery (otoplasty) might be right for you. This procedure can bring the ears to a more natural position closer to your head. During ear pinning surgery (otoplasty), the ear cartilage may also be reshaped to give a more normal contour to your ear.

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Dr. Lo has been performing ear correction surgery for over 30 years. He began his career at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where he performed ear reconstruction and ear pinning surgery (otoplasty) for children. Now, Dr. Lo concentrates exclusively on teenage and adult patients who did not have the opportunity to have ear pinning surgery as a child. His adult patients are extremely pleased to finally achieve the normal ear shape and position they have always desired.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

OF EAR PINNING SURGERY?

  • Repositions ears to lay naturally flatter against the side of the head
  • Restores ear to normal appearance
  • Increases self-esteem and confidence

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE

FOR EAR PINNING SURGERY?

If you have any of the following conditions, Dr. Lo may recommend ear pinning surgery for you.

  • Ears that protrude or stick out from the side of your head
  • The top half of your ear flops forward
  • The upper cartilage of your ear is flat or lacking a natural curvature
  • You are bothered or embarrassed by the appearance of your ears

What Does Ear Pinning Surgery Involve?


YOUR EAR PINNING SURGERY CONSULTATION

A consultation with Dr. Lo is essential before your ear pinning surgery. During this consultation, Dr. Lo will listen to your goals for the procedure and examine your ears to recommend the best technique for you. You will be able to see before and after photos of ear pinning patients to help you understand what can be achieved with the procedure.

HOW LONG DOES EAR PINNING SURGERY TAKE?

Ear pinning surgery takes about one hour.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR EAR PINNING SURGERY?

You have a choice of anesthesia for your ear pinning surgery.

  • General anesthesia: you are completely asleep and do not feel any pain
  • Twilight sedation (the most common way to have ear pinning surgery: local anesthesia numbs the area, and you are made comfortable with medications through an IV
  • Local anesthesia: numbs the area and you are completely awake

HOW IS EAR PINNING SURGERY DONE?

During the ear pinning surgery, your ears are set back closer to the side of your head at a normal angle, and your ear cartilage may be reshaped to a more natural contour.

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What are DR. LO’S EAR PINNING SURGERY TECHNIQUES?


There are several components to Dr. Lo’s surgical technique to correct your ears. Based on your situation, the surgical techniques mentioned below can be used to move your ears to a normal position at the side of your head to create a more natural and proportionate ear shape and size.

IF YOUR EARS PROTRUDE FROM THE SIDE OF YOUR HEAD

Using permanent stitches underneath the skin, Dr. Lo will position your ears back to the side of your head so that they are in the normal position. A small ellipse of skin on the back of each ear is removed to help maintain this angle.

IF YOUR UPPER EAR CARTILAGE IS FLAT AND LACKS CURVATURE

The top portion of the ear cartilage is called the superior antihelical fold. If this fold is flat and lacks curvature, Dr. Lo will recreate a natural curvature in the antihelical fold, giving you a normal look to the top half of your ear.

IF YOU HAVE LARGER OR DISPROPORTIONATE EARLOBES

Your earlobe may need to be made smaller or reduced as part of your ear pinning surgery.

What should I expect with EAR PINNING SURGERY?

WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS OF MY EAR PINNING SURGERY?

You will see your initial results when the dressing is removed two days after your ear pinning surgery. Your ears may look “overcorrected” for one to two weeks, but as healing continues, your ears will settle into a normal and natural look. Your ears will look almost completely normal at three to four weeks.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM EAR PINNING SURGERY?

Ear pinning surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you go home the same day. You will have a soft gauze wrap around your head to cover your ears. When you are resting, your head/ears should be elevated at about a 45degree angle on several pillows to promote healing.

When is my EAR PINNING SURGERY POSTOP APPOINTMENT?

Your first postop visit is two days after your ear pinning surgery, at which time Dr. Lo will remove the head/ear dressing. At this time, you will be able to see the early results of your ear pinning surgery. Patients are happy to see their corrected and reshaped ears, although there may be some swelling, mild redness, and bruising.

You will continue to have additional postop visits with Dr. Lo to monitor your healing at one week, one month, and three months after ear pinning surgery.

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When can I resume activities after EAR PINNING SURGERY?

After your initial postop appointment with Dr. Lo, you can wash your hair, take a shower, and allow water to run over your ears. You will be advised to wear a light compression sweatband over your ears for four weeks at home and at night.

After ear pinning surgery, you can restart normal activities that are not strenuous, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for two weeks. Walking is fine, and light weightlifting may be started at two weeks. You should not participate in contact sports for four to six weeks, especially any sport that may pose a risk to your ears.

ARE EAR PINNING SURGERY RESULTS PERMANENT?

Dr. Lo’s technique reshapes your ear to make it more natural looking. Because your cartilage is reshaped, the longterm results are more lasting. It does not depend on sutures/stitches that may be felt, break, or begin to extrude or come out of skin over time.

Otoplasty Surgery FAQ

Would You Like More Information About Otoplasty?

If you have any questions about otoplasty and what it can do for you, call (215) 829-6900 or fill out our online contact form. Dr. Lo offers otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) for patients in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including the cities of Philadelphia, Marlton, and Cherry Hill.

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Go to Dr. Lo’s Before & After Ear Surgery / Otoplasty Photos

Contact Us

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Locations

Philadelphia Cosmetic Surgery

301 South 8th Street, Suite 3H,
Philadelphia PA 19106

New Jersey Cosmetic Surgery

990 Route 73 North
Marlton, NJ 08053

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