Ear pinning

Preparation for Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) Surgery

Proper preparation helps ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Before your ear pinning surgery, please follow these guidelines:

Medical Information:

• Inform your surgeon about any allergies, serious medical conditions, and all medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter).

Alcohol and Medications:

• Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to surgery and 1 week after.
• Stop Aspirin 1 day before surgery.
• Paracetamol (Tylenol) may be taken if needed.
• Discontinue Vitamin E oil 1 day before surgery.

Smoking:

• Stop smoking at least 2 days before surgery and avoid it for 1 month after surgery to ensure proper healing.

Travel and Recovery:

• Plan to remain in Thailand for at least 7 days after your surgery for post-operative care and follow-up appointments.

Personal Care:

• Do not wear cosmetics on the day of surgery.
• Shower and shampoo before arriving at the clinic.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with buttons or zippers, so you do not need to pull anything over your head.

 Consultation & Procedure Details:

• Your surgeon will explain the technique used, anesthesia, location of the operation, expected outcomes, risks, and costs.
• This is the time to ask questions and ensure you have realistic expectations about the procedure.

Following these instructions carefully helps ensure your ear pinning surgery is safe, comfortable and achieves the best possible results.

It is important to have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery and treatments can achieve. Your surgeon is best positioned to address your questions and concerns, so honest and open communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure satisfaction with your results.

Things to Bring from Home

For your comfort and convenience during your ear pinning (otoplasty) surgery at Preecha Aesthetic Institute, Bangkok, we recommend bringing:

• Loose-fitting button-up shirts (large sizes)
• Slip-on shoes or slippers
• Phone charger (long cable recommended)
• Books or magazines for leisure
• Travel neck pillow for added comfort
• Personal daily medications

Suggested Itinerary for Ear Pinning Surgery

Planning your trip properly helps ensure a smooth procedure and recovery:

• Day 1 - Consultation: Meet your surgeon, discuss goals, review medical history, and plan your surgery.
• Day 2 - Surgery: Ear pinning procedure under local anesthesia, performed by our board-certified surgeons.
• Day 3 to Day 9 - Recovery & Follow-Up: Rest, follow post-operative care instructions, and attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Day 9 - Stitch Removal: Your surgeon will remove any non-dissolvable sutures and check your healing progress.

Preecha Aesthetic Institute, Bangkok Thailand.

Surgical Procedure - Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning surgery, is performed to reshape or reposition disproportionately large or prominent ears. The procedure aims to create or restore the natural ear fold, improving facial balance and aesthetic appearance. The exact approach depends on your desired results and the surgeon’s professional recommendation.

There are several surgical techniques for otoplasty. In the most commonly used method:

• Incisions are made behind the ear to access the cartilage.
• The surgeon may remove excess skin and reshape or fold the cartilage using fine sutures to create a natural ear contour.
• In some cases, the cartilage can be weakened and folded without sutures to achieve similar results.
• The incisions are closed with sutures, resulting in minimal visible scarring.

By creating a more defined fold in the central portion of the ear, the surgeon brings the ear closer to the head.

The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 45 to 60 minutes/each side, depending on the complexity and whether one or both ears are being corrected.

Postoperative Recovery Following Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)

After ear pinning surgery, the ears are typically covered with a bulky dressing to protect the surgical site. Some soreness and discomfort are normal and can usually be managed with prescribed medications.

• Dressings: Initial dressings are usually removed within a few days.
• To promote proper healing, you may be asked to wear a light head dressing or band for several weeks.
• Since incisions are made behind the ears, any scars are typically hidden in the natural creases.
• Return to Activities: The timing for returning to work or normal activities depends on your individual healing rate and comfort level.
• Stitches are usually removed around Day 5 to 7 after surgery.

Postoperative Care Instructions

To ensure safe healing and optimal results, follow these guidelines carefully:

• Dressings: Keep dressings clean and dry. Do not remove them unless instructed by your surgeon.
• Avoid Strain: Minimize any tension or pressure on the ears.
• Limit Activity: Avoid activities that increase blood flow to the ears, such as bending, lifting, sports, or excessive crying.
• Cold Therapy: You may use a cold pack over the ears to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Smoking & Alcohol: Avoid smoking entirely during the first week. Do not consume alcohol while taking post-operative medications.

Following these instructions helps ensure safe recovery, minimal complications, and optimal surgical results.

Recovery Timeline - Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)

Ear pinning surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation. Most patients return home the same day, with a brief period of rest in the clinic for approximately one hour after the procedure. Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage covering the ears to protect them and maintain their new position.

Pain Management and Dressings:

• Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers to manage discomfort during the first few days.
• The head bandage is worn for about one week to minimize swelling and support the ears.
• Stitches and the bandage are usually removed on Day 5 to Day 7, after which most patients can resume work and normal daily activities.

Weeks 1-4:

• Mild bruising and swelling may still be present.
• The ears may appear slightly prominent during the early healing phase.
• Full recovery typically takes 3-4 weeks, although contact sports and activities that could impact the ears should be avoided for up to 2 months to ensure proper healing.

Suggested Recovery Schedule

• Day 1: Consultation and/or surgery (day surgery)
• Day 2: Follow-up checks with the surgeon
• Days 3-6: Rest and light activities at your accommodation
• Day 6 to Day 8: Stitches removed
• Day 8: Fly back home (if traveling internationally)

Recovery Advice - Local and International Patients

For Local Patients:

• Most patients can resume work within a few days after ear pinning surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting or raising objects above your head during the early recovery period.
• Stitches are usually removed on Day 5 after surgery.

 For International Patients:

• Plan to stay in Bangkok for at least 7 days after surgery to allow proper post-operative care.
• Stitches will be removed on Day 5 to Day 7 after surgery.
• After returning home, you may resume work but should avoid heavy lifting or rapid movements for up to 3 weeks to protect your ears during healing.

Healing Timeline:

• Any bruising or swelling typically diminishes within 3 to 4 weeks after ear pinning surgery.

Following these guidelines ensures safe recovery, minimal complications, and optimal results for both local and international patients.