Also known as otoplasty, ear pinning surgery in Tampa treats cases of prominent ears, and is used most often to treat children between 2 and 5 years old. The procedure involves the placement of permanent sutures to hold the ears back, possibly combined with the removal of a small amount of cartilage from the back of the ear prior to suture placement.
If your child is constantly teased about large ears, he or she may be a candidate for ear pinning surgery. The procedure can help prevent years of ridicule and promote lasting self-confidence.
When to Consider Ear Pinning Surgery in Tampa
Individuals who exhibit prominent ears, children as well as adults, may be candidates for ear pinning surgery. Specifically, ears that protrude more than 20 mm and at an angle greater than 35° from the occipital scalp. Prominent ears are known to be genetic, so that 59% of affected individuals have the condition in their family. The ideal candidate will also have fully grown ears by the time of surgery.
Your Ear Pinning Surgery with Dr. Albear
Ear pinning surgery is conducted in an outpatient setting, and typically lasts between 2-3 hours. In some cases, surgery is very simple and requires only the placement of sutures. In others, ear cartilage needs to be removed or reshaped. Local anesthesia is commonly used for adults while children may receive general anesthesia to sleep through the procedure.
Dr. Albear will make an incision at the back of the ear. Next, he will sculpt, fold, or remove a small piece of cartilage depending on the severity of the angle at which the ear protrudes, and the shape of the tissue present. Finally, he will place small sutures to close the incision and maintain the new shape of the ear.
What Happens After Ear Surgery?
Though individual cases vary according to a number of factors, most children return to school about one week following the procedure, and adults within 5 days. Immediately after surgery, the head is wrapped in a bandage to promote optimal healing and to maintain the new form. Dr. Albear will insure that you receive aftercare instructions specific to the complexity of the surgery performed and your needs.
Contact Dr. Albear at his Wesley Chapel plastic surgery office for a personal consultation to learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects of ear pinning surgery in Tampa. The office is conveniently located for residents in both the New Tampa and Tampa Bay area, in Pasco County.
