Ear pinning

Preparation for ear pinning surgery.

• Inform us about any allergies, any serious medical condition(s), and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverage two days prior to and one week following surgery.
• No Aspirin 1 day before surgery.
• Tylenol (Paracetamol) may be taken during this period.
• Stop vitamin E Oil 1 day before surgery.
• Stop smoking 2 days and a month after surgery.
• Tell doctor if you have any serious medical condition(s).
• Plan to be in Thailand at least 5 days after surgery.
• Cosmetics should not be worn.
• Make sure to shower and shampoo before the procedure.
• Wear a loose-fitting button or zipper type dress or blouse that does not pull over your head.
• The surgeon will explain the specific details of your case such as the technique that will be used, anesthesia, where the operation will be performed and realistically can accomplish. Risks and cost be discuss with the surgeon at this time.

It is important that you are realistic about what cosmetic surgery and treatments can and cannot do. Your doctor is in the best position to address these issues and for that reason frank and open dialogue is recommended to avoid any misunderstanding.

Things should bring from home.

• Button-up shirts in large sizes
• Slip-on shoes or slippers
• Phone charger, long phone charger
• Books, magazines
• Travel neck pillow
• Personal daily medicines

To organize planning trip for ear pinning surgery.

Day 1 - Consultation
Day 2 - Surgery
Day 3 to day 9 - Recovery period and Follow up
Days 9 - Stitches will be removed

Preecha Aesthetic Institute, Bangkok Thailand.

The otoplasty surgical procedure - Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery typically is performed to create or restore the center fold to disproportionately large or prominent ears. The extent of the procedure depends on what changes are desired and what the surgeon’s recommendation. However, there are several possible surgical approaches to otoplasty.

Using a commonly employed technique, the surgeon makes incisions in the back of the ear and removes skin to expose ear cartilage. Then, the surgeon uses sutures to fold the cartilage in on itself to reshape the ear. In some instances, the same result can be achieved without sutures by weakening the cartilage before folding it.

The incisions are closed with sutures. By creating a more pronounced fold in the central portion of the ear, the surgeon brings the ear closer to the head. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure usually lasts about 45 - 60 minutes.

Postoperative recovery following ear pinning surgery, the ears are covered with a bulky dressing. There is some soreness and discomfort that is easily controlled by medication.

Dressings are removed within few days. To promote healing, you may be asked to wear a light head dressing for several weeks. Since otoplasty incisions are made in the back of the ears, faint scars should be concealed in the creases.

The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how fast you feel. Stitches will be remove day five after surgery date.

Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) and Post operative cares

• Keep your dressings as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them unless instructed to do so.
• Try to avoid any straining on both ears.
• Avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the ears including bending, lifting, crying and sports.
• Cold pack may be used over the ears.
• Avoid smoking at all time during the first week.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking the medications.

Ear pinning surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. You are return home the same day and the surgeon will ask to stay in clinic for rest around one hour following the operation. Your head will be wrapped in a bulky head bandage covering the ears.

The surgeon prescribes painkillers to manage any pain in the first few days. The head bandage will be worn for the first week; this minimizes any swelling and holds the ears in their new position. The bandage and any stitches are removed after five day surgery and most patients return to work and normal activities at that point.

During one to four weeks, there may still some bruising and swelling and the ears may look overly prominent still. Full recovery should be complete for ear pinning usually take about three to four weeks but you are advise to avoid contact sports for two months to protect the ears.

• Day 1 - Consultation and/or surgery at the same time (day surgery)
• Day 2 - Follow up checks
• Day 3 to day 6 - Rests and light activities
• Day 6 - Stitches remove
• Day 6 - Fly back home 

For local’s patient - You may resume to work after a few days but must avoid heavy lifting object over the head after surgery date. Stitches are remove after five days surgery date.

For international patient - Please plan to be in Bangkok at least six days. Stitches will remove day 5 after surgery date. After departure from Thailand, you may resume to work but must avoid heavy lifting or fast movement during three weeks after surgery date.

◊ Any bruising and swelling will usually dissipate within 3 to 4 weeks after ear pinning surgery.