Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is considered to be more reconstructive than vanity. It is done to correct congenital problems or traumatic injury to the ears. It can be performed on adults looking for a way to improve facial symmetry by having their ears shaped and positioned appropriately in relation to the head.

But the usual patients for otoplasty are children and teenagers. In fact , according to statistics released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Suregry (ASAPS), those who are under 18 are the largest demographic for otoplasty in 2010.

Although it can also be performed in adults without any added risks involved, otoplasty is abest done on children. The reason behind this is because the structures can still be easily arranged, and the corrective measures protect the child from bullying when he/she goes to school.

Congenital problems come in different forms. One being the most common is overly protruding or prominent ears. This is an inherited trait, with over 59% of patients coming in complaining of this problem. This is a condition when an ear does not develop and antihelix resulting in the outer edge of the ear to stick out instead of folding inwards. Another causative factor is when the concha of the ear is enlarged causing the ear to stick out farther away from the head.

Another deformity is when the ears become pointed or elfish in a condition called Stahl’s deformity. This occurs due to the presence of third crus in the pinna which gives it its pointy characteristic. This is more commonly known as Vulcan or Spock ear, since it is quite similar to the one the famous Star Trek character have.

Microtia is also another congenital problem of the ear where the pinna or the external ear is underdeveloped. It typically occurs on one ear, although it can also affect both.

These malformations can lead to name calling and ridicule making it harder for a child to get along with peers in school. That is why some parents find it necessary to have the corrective procedure done before the child starts schooling. But the minimum age for children should be between four to five years old. This is because this is the time when the ears have already fully developed.

Having the procedure done around this time also allows better compliance from the child. But parents should still look over their children closely to avoid accidental injuries to the ear and to prevent complications.

But it is important that the parent and the child be aware about what to expect after the surgery. Not only should they be aware about the benefits of otoplasty but its risks and limitations as well. This keeps a realistic view about the surgery and it can also avoid problems in recovery.

There are also non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty. For instance, in the case of those children afflicted with Stahl’s deformity, this can be corrected using molding techniques. But this should be done during the first few days of life. But the limitation to the non-invasive techniques is that it cannot correct those deformities that involve the loss or the presence of too much skin and cartilage.

Esteem Cosmetic Studio is a chain of clinics servicing in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia. This clinic is run by a team of cosmetic doctors who specializes in their respective fields. Visit their website today to learn more about otoplasty or any other cosmetic procedure.

Esteem Cosmetic Studio is a chain of clinics servicing in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane Australia. The clinic is run by a team of cosmetic doctors who specializes in their respective fields. Visit http://www.esteemstudio.com.au/t5otoplasty.php to learn more about otoplasty and other cosmetic procedure.

Author Bio: Esteem Cosmetic Studio is a chain of clinics servicing in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia. This clinic is run by a team of cosmetic doctors who specializes in their respective fields. Visit their website today to learn more about otoplasty or any other cosmetic procedure.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: otoplasty, children otoplasty, ears pinned back, ear pinning surgery