Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)

If your ears protrude, ear surgery or otoplasty is a simple and safe procedure that can reposition your ears so that they are closer to your head. Otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

This type of plastic surgery can be performed both on adults and children. Most ear pinning patients are children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

In the case of children, Dr. Kahn recommends that parents stay alert to their child's feelings about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your child wants the change.

Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

In your initial consultation, Dr. Kahn will evaluate your child's condition, or yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most effective technique. He will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

This is an outpatient procedure performed here in our state-of-the-art surgical facility, eliminating the need for costly hospitalization.

Dr. Kahn uses IV sedation and a local anesthetic, and the surgery usually takes less than an hour. Normal activities can usually be resumed one week following the surgery.