The medical term for the external ear is the ‘pinna’. A pinna-plasty alters the shape of the external ear.
This same operation is also known as ‘otoplasty’. In almost all cases, this involves altering the prominent ear so that it sits closer to the side of the head. People talk about ‘pinning’ ears… no pins are involved! The shape and position of the ear is corrected by scoring the cartilage in the ear and/or holding it in a new position with internal stitches. A headband is worn full-time for a week to protect the corrected ears.
There are several operations which can help to improve or correct the appearance of the ear:
- Correction of prominent ears – ‘Pinnaplasty’ or ‘Otoplasty’
- Reduction of large earlobes
- Repair of split or stretched earlobes
- Treatment of keloids
- Treatment of skin cancers or Chondrodermatitis
How are prominent ears corrected?
This operation has 2 medical names which are the same treatment – ‘pinnaplasty’ and also ‘otoplasty’. A cut is made in the crease behind the ear where it joins the head. The resulting scar is therefore hidden from view.
Immediately underneath the skin is the folded cartilage of the ear and this is reshaped by scratching or scoring its surface and by placing internal sutures. Occasionally a portion of cartilage is removed. Once the skin is stitched, dressings are applied. A bandage or a headband is then worn for 1-2 weeks.
