Ear Pinning Surgery: Preparation, Recovery, Cost & More
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Ear Pinning

Ear Pinning

Ear Pinning Quick Look

"Worth It" Rating

95% say it's "worth it"

Surgery Length

1.5-2 Hours

Invasiveness

3/10

Discomfort Factor

3/10

Synopsis of Surgery

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure done to minimize the appearance of large or uneven ears by pinning them back to your head.

Recovery

4 weeks until resuming physical exercise

10-14 days off from work/household duties

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

Alternative Names

Ear Surgery, Otoplasty


If you are dissatisfied with, or self-conscious about, the size, shape, or protrusion of your ears then it might be time to consider ear pinning, also known as otoplasty. No longer will you avoid wearing your hair back, or resist cutting it short for fear of drawing attention to your ears. When you put yourself in the experienced hands of renowned Toronto cosmetic surgery providers Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin, your ears will look completely natural, like you were born with them.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

If you are thinking about having this surgery, please explore the links on the left to learn more. If you have more questions about whether ear pinning in Toronto/Mississauga is for you, please contact us at [email protected] to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin.

What is Ear Pinning?

Your ear surgery will be customized according to the look you want. Usually, your surgeon will make a small incision in the back of the ear, which allows the surgeon to sculpt the cartilage and bend it back towards the head. Occasionally, a larger piece of cartilage will be removed for a more natural result. Your surgeon will then stitch up the ear to help maintain your new shape. Another technique involves using stitches to fold the cartilage back on itself rather than removing it.

Even when only one ear appears to protrude, cosmetic surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. The surgery typically takes about two hours, although complicated procedures may take longer.

Ear surgery usually takes about two hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

Your surgeon will customize the procedure performed in order to address your particular problem and achieve your desired look. With one of the more common techniques, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage.

The cartilage is sculpted and bent back towards the head. Stitches are used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally a larger piece of cartilage will be removed to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

During ear surgery in Toronto/Mississauga, an incision is made in the back of the ear so cartilage can be sculpted or folded. Stitches are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape. Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

The Best Candidates for Ear Pinning

The best candidates for ear pinning are healthy, emotionally stable people.

The procedure can correct overly large or abnormally shaped ears, as well as ears that may be of a normal size or shape but stand out excessively from the side of the head.

We treat all our ear surgery patients like the individuals they are, so talk to Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin to find out whether this plastic surgery procedure might be right for you. Consultations at The Plastic Surgery Clinic are always free and can be scheduled at either our Toronto or Mississauga locations for your convenience.

Preparing for Ear Pinning

Your ear surgery can be performed right on site in the state-of-the-art facilities of The Plastic Surgery Clinic. There is always a surgeon on call to respond to your concerns. In addition, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

As leading plastic surgeons in Toronto, the first thing we do is listen: we take your history; we listen to your needs; we ask you to describe, and have you bring in photos of, your ideal look.

Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin will spend as much time as you need to make sure both you and your surgeon know exactly what you want. It may not always be possible to meet all your expectations with surgery, so it crucial that you understand what is a realistic outcome.

Your ear pinning surgeon will also instruct you on how to prepare for surgery in order to achieve the best result, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.

Smokers need to stop smoking one month before surgery and one month during recovery.

Recovery Following Ear Pinning

While you will likely be up and around within a few hours of ear pinning surgery, a friend or relative will need to come and pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours to your next day and first week post op appointment. Medication will relieve any throbbing or aching that may occur in the first few days. Nevertheless, it is important that you take one week off from school or work in order to rest. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so.

Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage for a week following surgery to promote proper shaping and healing. A lighter head dressing similar to a headband will then replace the bandage. It is important that you wear this dressing exactly as specified by your Toronto plastic surgeon, especially at night. The stitches used during the operation will typically dissolve within a week.

Ear Pinning Risks & Complications

Ear surgery performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin rarely results in major complications. As with any operation, however, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications are associated with this procedure.

A small percentage of otoplasty patients may develop a blood clot on the ear, which may dissolve naturally or may need to be drawn out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop a cartilage infection, which can result in scarring. Such infections can usually be treated with antibiotics; occasionally surgery is required to drain the infected area. In rare cases a deep suture (a surgical seam) may come undone allowing the ear to pop back out, meaning that the operation may need to be repeated.

Ear Pinning Photo Gallery

Most of our Mississauga/Toronto otoplasty patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of their ear surgery, largely due to the in-depth consultation conducted beforehand. It is important to understand, however, that our goal is improvement, not perfection, as symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears.

See the results for all of our procedures in our photo galleries.

How Much Does Ear Pinning Cost?

Patients who come to us for otoplasty consults are surprised to hear how affordable ear pinning actually is, especially with the financing and payment plans available through our clinic. Patients who have undergone this procedure always comment to us that they no longer see this procedure as a ‘cost’ but more of an investment in their happiness and future. Pricing of cosmetic procedures can vary from person to person, depending on special factors. Your surgeon will give you a more precise estimate during consultation.

To find out more about the cost of an ear pinning procedure, please contact us by phone or e-mail or by filling out the Request for Information form below.

Plastic Surgery Video Gallery

Ear Pinning Videos

Browse our collection of videos for an insider's look at this procedure and others we perform.

Watch the Videos
Plastic Surgery Before & After Photo Gallery

Ear Pinning Gallery

Explore our photo collections to see actual results we have achieved at The Plastic Surgery Clinic.

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What to Expect

The PSC Method

Step 1: The PSC Consult

Step 1: The PSC Consult


Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 2: The PSC Procedure

Step 2: The PSC Procedure


You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 3: The PSC Follow Up

Step 3: The PSC Follow Up


We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 1: The PSC Consult


Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 1: The PSC Consult
1 The PSC Consult

You and your surgeon will customize a plan to meet your needs and desired outcome.

Step 2: The PSC Procedure


You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 2: The PSC Procedure
2 The PSC Procedure

All surgeries are day surgeries, done under general anesthetic at our private hospital.

Step 3: The PSC Follow Up


We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.

One patient's experience...

My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…

Via RATEMDS.

Step 3: The PSC Follow Up
3 The PSC Follow Up

We see you the very next day, ensuring optimal recovery and happiness with your result.

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Before You Go…

Did we answer all your questions? Our goal is to ensure you have the best information possible to make your decision. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.

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