Ear Pinning in Portland (Otoplasty)

An otoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects significantly protruding ears for those that are self conscious. The procedure is designed to help correct the shape, proportion, or position of the ear due to genetics, birth deformities, or trauma. For patients young and mature who struggle with prominent ears, Dr. Elisa Burgess offers ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, at her Portland, OR area practice. There are multiple reasons that people undergo otoplasty surgery in Portland, including:

  • To reshape prominent ears
  • To pin back ears
  • To normalize appearance and put an end to teasing

Frequently asked questions

Otoplasty can make ears lay flatter against the head when they previously stuck out farther from the head than is typical. The procedure can re-shape ears that formerly had a cupped, overly concave appearance. In general, otoplasty can eliminate a source of self-consciousness stemming from ears that look unusual, distracting, and unlike most other people’s ears. Individuality is important, but sometimes a physical difference like overly protruding ears can be unnecessarily uncomfortable for the person who has them. A simple, effective procedure makes ears more aesthetically pleasing without detracting from your individual appearance.

All surgical procedures carry the risk of certain complications. Otoplasty carries some risk of anesthesia reactions, infection, allergic reaction, and asymmetry. There is also the risk of poor results, uneven contours, uneven size, etc. There may be other risks as well. Dr. Burgess will carefully and completely review them with you so you can make an informed decision. Otoplasty is generally a very safe, low-risk procedure that produces desirable results for the vast majority of patients.

Rely on Dr. Burgess to determine your candidacy.

Good candidates include:

  • Children aged 5 or older
  • Adults and children who are highly self-conscious about the protrusion of their ears
  • People who want ears that lay flatter against their head
  • People who have been bullied because of protruding or cupped ears
  • People who have considered all the options, pros, and cons, and are making an informed decision
  • People who want flatter ears for their own satisfaction, not to please others
  • People in good overall health who don’t smoke or use tobacco

This can be an especially difficult choice when parents are making the decision for young children. Let Dr. Burgess offer guidance and support. As a parent you want what is best for your child, and the otoplasty procedure may be a simple way to prevent self-consciousness and bullying. It may ultimately enhance your child’s self-esteem and self-worth. The procedure is commonly performed on teens and children as young as 5, so you can rely on an established safety record.

Ear pinning in Portland is performed on an outpatient basis and can take between two and three hours to complete. For children undergoing otoplasty, a general anesthesia will be administered, while adults undergoing the procedure may receive a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic.

Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Burgess will make an incision behind the ear through which cartilage will be sculpted, folded, or removed. Ears will be folded to appear closer to the head and more proportional. Permanent sutures may be used. Finally, she will use sutures to close the incisions and maintain the new shape of the ears.

Following the procedure, adults may return to work after about five days, while children should wait about one week to return to school cautiously. During this healing time, the head will be wrapped in a bandage to maintain the new form of the ears, and the head should be elevated to improve swelling. Stitches will be removed after one week. It is recommended that a headband be worn to keep down the ears as much as possible in the months following surgery. Dr. Burgess will encourage you to walk around after surgery. Bruising, swelling, and aching are likely, and discomfort may be managed with medication. Swelling may cause some loss of feeling in the ear. It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least four weeks. Traveling long distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery. Ensure that you attend all scheduled exams following recovery. Scars from the procedure will be noticeable at first but will improve over the next year. Understand that results are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and may require future revision surgery. After healing is completed, the patient should see more natural-looking ears and may gain some self-confidence.

Some possible side effects of otoplasty in Portland may include infection, formation of scar tissue, need for revision surgery, as well as other unforeseen risks.

Patients interested in pinning back protruding ears are encouraged to contact Dr. Burgess at her Portland-area office with any questions.

There is often a noticeable difference right away, but it may be obscured by swelling and bandaging. In general, you will see your final results after about 2 weeks.

FrontBefore 2
FrontAfter 2

I have visited Burgess Plastic Surgery several times for a variety of reasons. I have never had a bad experience. First of all, the clinic is always clean, warm, and inviting. The staff is friendly and helpful. They are eager to help and answer questions and make me feel safe and secure. Dr. Burgess is amazing! She always has the right ideas and I always walk away feeling beautiful without any pressure! I highly recommend this clinic!

Schedule a Consultation In Lake Oswego, OR

If you are interested in learning more or getting started with Ear Pinning, please contact our office by calling 503-699-6464 to get started today!

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OFFICE DETAILS

16865 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 101
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday hours available by appointment

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