Can Ear Pinning Surgery Be Performed At Any Age?

For men, women, and children who are unhappy with their ears, everyday life can be frustrating. In many cases, large or prominent ears become noticeable in early childhood, leading to teasing and embarrassment, which continues well into adulthood. For other patients, a birth defect or trauma may be responsible for asymmetric or misshapen ears. In any of these cases, otoplasty – or ear surgery – could have been profoundly beneficial. The expert team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is proud to offer the most advanced and effective otoplasty techniques in Northern Virginia, including ear pinning surgery, to help patients feel more comfortable and confident about their look. Find out more about ear surgery here, including what age may be most appropriate to have otoplasty performed.

What makes my ears stick out?

While some patients with fairly normal anatomy may not be entirely happy with the size or shape of their ears, others have distinctly prominent ears due to the way their cartilage and other structures developed. Additionally, patients may have asymmetric, deformed, or misshapen ears. The most common causes of these abnormalities include:

• Genetics
• Birth defect
• Trauma
• Certain conditions

How are protruding ears corrected?

Without a doubt, otoplasty – or ear surgery – is the most effective option for correcting the size, shape, prominence, and other characteristics of the ears with natural-looking and long-lasting results. Whether patients have a significantly noticeable abnormality or simply feel self-conscious about their ears, otoplasty can help. In the case of ears that appear to stick out further than they should, a specialized form of otoplasty known as ear pinning surgery is a fantastic solution. Common cosmetic concerns that can be addressed or corrected with ear surgery in Northern Virginia include:

• Ears that stick out
• Protruding ears
• Prominent ears
• Disproportionate ears
• Asymmetric ears
• Shape of ears
• Large ears
• Excess skin or cartilage
• Hanging ear lobes
• Damaged ear or ear lobe

During your initial consultation for otoplasty in Reston, VA, one of the renowned plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston will examine your ears, discuss your specific concerns, and answer all of your questions about ear surgery in great detail before recommending a customized surgical plan that can best help you achieve your ideal results.

What is the best age for ear pinning surgery?

Ear pinning for ears that stick out is, arguably, one of the most frequently performed types of ear surgery. Fortunately, ear pinning can be performed on patients of nearly any age. Many parents choose to have their children's ears pinned around the age of five or six, before they begin school, to avoid teasing and other social problems. Regardless of their age, ideal candidates for ear pinning and other forms of ear surgery should be:

• Healthy
• Nonsmokers
• Have realistic expectations for their results
• Struggle with the physical and emotional effects of having large, protruding, misshapen, or otherwise abnormal ears

Can infants have ear pinning surgery?

When protruding or asymmetric ears are detected early enough in infancy, they can often be corrected without the need for surgery. Instead, the infant can be fitted with an ear mold that, over the course of several weeks or months, can help to reshape or reposition the ears for a more natural look.

How long does ear pinning last?

Generally speaking, otoplasty results will last for many years, if not indefinitely. Like other cosmetic procedures, ear surgery will not stop the aging process. Patients may notice a subtle difference in the appearance of their ears over time, particularly if they had the procedure performed at a very young age. However, the improvements in the overall proportion, shape, and prominence of the ears that are made with otoplasty should remain largely unchanged.

Feel more confident than ever with Northern Virginia ear surgery at any age

Whether you have been embarrassed by your ears for decades or you have a child who is starting to become self-conscious about their own ears, otoplasty can be a life-changing procedure, both cosmetically and emotionally. Call the caring team at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA to schedule your private in-office or online consultation with one of our award-winning plastic surgeons today, and take the first step toward regaining your confidence and getting the natural-looking ears you deserve.