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Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)
in Houston, TX
Ear Pinning surgery, also known as Otoplasty, creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Houston plastic surgeons, Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel, have a keen anatomical eye and skilled surgical touch for Ear Pinning surgery and incorporate specific techniques to restructure the ear cartilage into a natural shape. Ear Pinning surgery gives patients the confidence to reveal their entire face from every angle and any hair style without anxiety about how their ears look.
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What Is Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)?
If protruding ears bother you or your child, you should consider ear pinning surgery, also known as Otoplasty, a facial plastic surgery procedure that brings the ears closer to the head to make them less prominent by changing the shape, position, and/or size. It can also correct asymmetry or imbalance.
Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney tailor their surgical technique to the patient’s specific needs, depending on the abnormality. Their goal is to create an ear that is aesthetically pleasing and very natural in appearance. There may be a part of the ear cartilage that is underdeveloped or too much cartilage where the ear canal starts. Both issues will cause the ear to protrude outward and, in many cases, the ears may appear too prominent. Regardless of the condition, the cartilage will usually be addressed and either removed or reshaped. Then, the cartilage will be secured with sutures into a new position closer to the head. The skin incision is generally placed within the natural folds behind the ear, making it virtually impossible to detect.
Am I a good candidate for Ear Pinning Surgery?
Ear Pinning surgery is commonly performed on patients under the age of 18. However, many individuals also wait until later in life to have cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel take particular care to ensure children and adults alike feel confident in the boardroom, on the playground, or wherever life may take them.
Ideal candidates for Ear Pinning Surgery include those concerned with the following:
- Overly large ears also known as Macrotia
- Protruding ears on both sides or just on one side
- Revision of previous Ear Pinning surgery performed elsewhere
Patients for this procedure can be as young as 6 years old, as long as the ear cartilage is stable enough for correction. Overall, the ideal candidate is healthy, without medical conditions that can impair healing, and who have a positive outlook. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel also do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
Why should I select Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel for my Ear Pinning surgery?
At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel are recognized as leading Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) surgeons in Houston. What sets them apart from other plastic surgeons can be described in the superior combination of their unparalleled training, advanced surgical techniques, attention to detail, artistic perspective, and devotion to the highest level of patient care throughout your aesthetic journey.
Dr. Russell Kridel is triple-board certified and is internationally recognized by other physicians as one of the best Facial Plastic surgeons in the country. He has been awarded the highest honors of surgical excellence by his peers, his specialty, and his patients. He has also published over 250 scientific papers and textbook chapters and presented as featured guest speaker at hundreds of plastic surgery conferences on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques. Dr. Sean Delaney is double-board certified and also has Otoplasty experience. He has published extensively on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques with Dr. Kridel. Dr. Delaney has been named a Texas Rising Star in plastic surgery.
The level of care our Ear Pinning Surgery patients receive at FPSA is unlike any other practice in Houston. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel see their patients the morning after their surgery and every few days for the first two weeks following surgery. They see you at 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month timeframes as well, to follow your care. Our entire FPSA Team will be with you throughout your aesthetic journey.
Whether you are a parent of a child who is being bullied or someone who has been struggling with anxiety over your ears for your entire life, let us help you receive the benefits and confidence from Ear Pinning surgery.
What can I expect from
an Ear Pinning Consultation at FPSA?
We welcome young patients along with their parent(s) throughout the consultation so that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. Our Ear Pinning Surgery consultations are quite comprehensive, you can expect to be with us for an hour or so. When you first arrive, a Team FPSA member will take your photograph at multiple angles and will also review your medical history and patient information forms with you.
During an Ear Pinning surgery consultation, Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will ask you what bothers you about your ears and any other features. The surgeon will also ask you to share what you would like to see changed. Based on your discussion and agreed upon goal for surgery, we will digitally morph your photos so that you can visualize the potential results from surgery. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will review the imaged photos with you and revise if needed to make sure that you share the same aesthetic vision. Of course, every person heals differently and there is no such thing as perfection, but Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel take the imaged photos into surgery with them so that they can come as close as possible to your surgical goal. Very few plastic surgeons do this. You will have the opportunity to share all your questions and concerns with your surgeon during your consultation. In addition, one of our patient concierges will accompany you every step of the way as your guide throughout your consultation. Your concierge will review before and after photos, educational materials, and provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan, and also answer questions you may have prior to booking your surgery.
Otoplasty (ear pinning) surgery explained
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What can I expect right after Ear Pinning Surgery?
Our patients often comment that the discomfort is far less than they expected. Most patients feel very little pain immediately after surgery but may experience some discomfort, such as aching and throbbing, in the first couple of days. We prescribe pain medications to help you feel more comfortable. However, we have found that most patients transition to Tylenol after 24-36 hours.
A compressive bandage is typically placed over the ears after surgery. The bandage holds the ears in the appropriate position for healing, so it is important not to remove your dressing.
You will be seen the very next day in our office, and dressings will be refreshed. Your bandages should stay on for a week. Your sutures will be removed about one week after surgery.
We recommend that you wear an elastic band at night for the next six weeks and throughout the days whenever possible. You should also sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first several days to a week after surgery.
After your bandages have been removed, you may wash your hair and face as usual with gentle soap and shampoo (ideally unscented). Showering or bathing is fine but avoid any excessive scrubbing near your ears. Because pool, ocean, and lake water can harbor bacteria, you should avoid swimming for several weeks.
Itching near or at the incision lines is very common. Usually, this is a sign of healing and that the nerves are regenerating. Do your best to avoid scratching the incisions. Some numbness or discoloration are normal and generally go away on their own over a couple of months. Some swelling is normal and usually lasts for one to two months. Residual swelling may last up to six months.
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How long is the recovery time for Ear Pinning Surgery?
Our surgical techniques and pre-operative and post-operative care are designed to minimize bruising and help the healing process. However, swelling will take place.
You will need to stay home from work or school and limit your activities for several days. Most patients will be able to return to work or school and resume their normal activity level within a week to ten days after the ear correction surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Generally, full recovery from Ear Pinning surgery takes about six weeks with swelling completely gone within 3 months. Getting rest applies to your body as well as your ears. In fact, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to accelerate your recovery.
Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will be with you every step of the way during your journey. Our high standard of patient care, including follow-up care, is unparalleled in Houston.
Day Of Surgery
What do I need to do before surgery?
With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.
Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
For adult patients, we recommend that you avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar. Some patients eat pineapple for the anti-inflammatory effect of its naturally occurring Bromelain. We recommend taking Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin C supplements 5 days before the surgery and 1 week following surgery. It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Ear Pinning Surgery is an out-patient procedure performed under IV Sedation in our AAAHC accredited operating room and takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete depending on whether you have both ears corrected. You should have nothing to eat or drink (not even water, candy, or gum) after midnight the night before your procedure. Patients should arrive approximately 1.5 hours prior to the start time on the day of surgery. You should wear a button-up top or loose-fitting clothing to allow you to change easily without placing unnecessary pressure or stress on the ears. You will need an adult driver on the day of your surgery to bring you to our office and to pick you up following surgery.
Once you arrive at home from the surgical facility, we recommend you head to bed and get some much-needed rest. Be sure to elevate your head with two or three pillows. Keeping the head elevated helps to minimize swelling.
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Pre-Operative
When is my pre-operative appointment?
Your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible. At this appointment, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions, review and sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment. You will also receive the list of your prescriptions. Most of our patients find that using our Capsule Pharmacy service in advance of the pre-op is quite convenient because all prescriptions will be delivered to our office and ready for you at the pre-op appointment.
At this appointment, patients also like to select skincare products appropriate for pre-operative and post-operative skin health and optimal healing.
Does insurance cover surgery?
Insurance does not cover Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) surgery because it is an elective, cosmetic procedure.
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Fully Accredited
On-Site Surgical Facility
Dr, Sean Delaney, Dr. Russell Kridel and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.
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