Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) CAQ
How long does the surgery take, and what type of anesthesia is used?
Otoplasty takes ~ 2 hours depending on the complexity of the ear abnormality. Most patients have general anesthesia and Otoplasty is performed as an outpatient surgery at Primera Surgery Center.
Is there a lot of pain afterwards and how long will it last?
Otoplasty performed by Dr. Gross typically is not painful and is associated with mild discomfort. Dr. Gross uses a long-acting anesthetic to relieve pain following the surgery which wears off 8-12 hours later. There is some discomfort the first night after surgery due to the head dressing, but it is tolerable. The head wrap is removed in the office 2 days after the surgery which allows for substantial relief from presure.
What are the expectations?
Patients can expect temporary swelling and bruising of the ears, which last ~ 7 days. The results of the procedure are permanent; however, patients must wear a sports style headband during sleep for the first 2 weeks following surgery. Care must be taken to avoid injuring the ears during play, wrestling, removing motorcycle helmets, or removing tight fitting shirts over the head.
What type of anesthesia do you use for Otoplasty in Orlando/ Lake Mary?
Most commonly general anesthesia.
Is this an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Otoplasty is an Outpatient procedure at Primera Surgery Center for patients age 14 yrs and older.
Where are the stitches and when are they removed?
Dr. Gross hides the incision inside the natural crease behind the ears, which results in a completely hidden line. He uses dissolving stitiches so there is nothing to remove at the 1 week post-op visit !
What are the common side effects?
Temporary swelling, bruising around the ears and discomfort. Some drainage and bleeding may occur from the wounds.
What are the risks of Ear Surgery?
Infection, asymmetry, scarring, re-protrusion of the ear (usually due to popped stitch or trauma), revision surgery, or artificial appearance of ears. These risks are minimized with an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Gross.
How long is the recovery time after Ear Surgery?
Back to work in 7 days. Return to school in one week. Resume non-contact sports in 2 weeks. Resume contact sports in 2 months.
How long will I enjoy my results?
Permanently. Note: A certain degree of “give back” or minor protrusion usually occurs several weeks following the procedure. This is normal.
Can I have just one ear pinned back?
Yes, the procedure can be done for a prominent ear on just one side; however, Dr. Gross will generally recommend both ears to be treated for symmetry.
Is financing available for Otoplasty?
Yes. Financing can be arranged through CareCredit.
