Your surgeon will always discuss with you and recommend the treatment that is appropriate for you. During the consultation, the surgeon will also explain the treatment, its results and benefits, the duration of the result and the frequency of repeating the treatment.
OTOPLASTY OR EAR PINNING
The otoplasty procedure or better known as ear pinning surgery is to help alleviate protruding ear lobes to create a more comfortable aesthetic feel by removing some cartilage and skin to create a new fold behind the ear. This surgery can be performed for adults for mature teens who wish to reduce the angle of the protrusion.
WHERE THE SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
The otoplasty procedure is performed in our Harley Street clinic.
TYPE OF ANAESTHESIA
The otoplasty procedure is carried out under intravenous sedation so there will be no pain and you will sleep through the operation.
THE SURGERY
Otoplasty procedure usually takes between one and a half to two hours.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medicines.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks prior to the surgery and not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before the surgery, especially on the abdomen, and do not go on an astringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, it is important to inform the surgeon, as your surgery may need to be postponed.
You will need to arrange for someone to collect you after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive. It is also advisable to have someone to stay with you for a few days to help you out if needed.
BEFORE YOUR SURGERY
In the week before, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), since these products affect the blood clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery, hence resulting in increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic, and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol.
It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process.
Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on).
YOUR OTOPLASTY SURGERY
The surgeon will make a cut just behind the ear in the neutral fold where the ear meets the head. Cartilage and skin are then removed from the ear and the initial cut stitched up. Bandages and dressings are then applied to the ears to protect the area.
AFTER THE OPERATION
While the stitches heal, you may feel your ears are pulling or feel tight. You will need to return to the clinic after 7 days to have your bandages and sutures (stitches) removed.
If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel, or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have a repeat blood test.
To book an appointment for Ear Pinning Surgery or Otoplasty, please call: 020 7636 4272