Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is the only cosmetic surgery regularly performed on children because the ears are a special case. Unlike most of our bodies, our ears have achieved close to their full size and shape by age 4. This makes them ideal sites for early intervention on the part of a skilled and sensitive plastic surgeon.

Often, children are teased relentlessly if their ears stick out, and this can do a great deal of damage to their self-image and confidence.

Much of children’s bodies are constantly changing; they often grow right out of clothes and shoes. They lose their baby teeth to get adult teeth and even wisdom teeth. Most cosmetic procedures are not recommended for children, but otoplasty is. The cartilage in children’s ears is more easily shaped, making this a procedure that is best done at a young age.

Otoplasty is a safe and long-lasting solution

Otoplasty will not affect your child’s hearing because only surface-level changes are made on the ears. The surgery begins with an incision in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. The surgeon then may remove skin and cartilage to achieve the desired effect. At this time, the ear can also be reshaped as well. Sometimes, it is not necessary to remove any tissue but simply to move the ear and hold it in its new position with sutures until it heals in place.

The child will have to wear bandages for a few days, and if he or she is a side-sleeper, there may be some disruption of sleeping for a week, but the surgery heals quickly and children are allowed to return to their normal activities as soon as they feel able. When they return to normal activities, they will be happier without the teasing they had experienced before surgery. The scarring is very slight and well-concealed in the natural fold behind the ear.

Because the ears have finished growing before the procedure is performed, the changes are for life and need never be redone. As the child grows and moves on to higher grades and new schools and finds new friends, the unpleasant memories of their early days will be forgotten, and you can watch them grow knowing that your decision has contributed to their happiness.

If you would like to learn more about otoplasty, please contact Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your initial consultation.