OTOPLASTY / PINNAPLASTY in MALAYSIA

 

What is Otoplasty/Pinnaplasty?

Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty is surgical procedure to reposition prominent ears by setting them back closer to the side of the head.

Who is the ideal candidate?

The ideal candidate is people with prominent ears either adults or children (5 years and above).

How the procedure done?

A small incision is made at the back of the ear close to the grove between the ear and the side of the head to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon will then remove some skin behind the ear and sculpt the cartilage (part of the cartilage is folded or removed), and allow the ear to bend back towards the side of the head. The incision is closed with sutures after the surgery. This procedure will be carried out under local anaesthetic but in young children a general anaesthetic is usually required and this surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours on a day procedure.

What can you expect after the operation?

A small protective dressing is usually worn after the surgery until the stitches are removed at between 5-10 days after the surgery. You need to wear a protective head-band or bandage at night when sleeping to avoid the ears from being bent forward. Scars usually settle well but on rare occasions it can become red and lumpy & require further treatment. Infection is not common, but if this occurs it would require treatment with antibiotics and regular dressing changes. 

What is the significance of the procedure?

Prominent ears can be successfully reshaped and this can increase one’s self confidence. This procedure also helps to protect the affected child from being the victim of bullying in school.